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Minor Chords and Major Words 4 Out Of 5 Stars
Death Cab for Cutie do dramatic emotionalism better than just about any American Band working this turf today. Gloomy Guy Ben Gibbards still sings like a depressed teenage poet, and the rest of the band swirl behind him in a vortex of murk. "Codes and Keys" maintains the forward thinking experimentation of 2008's "Narrow Stairs," but you're still going to recognize these songs as Death Cab as soon as you hear them.
What "Codes and Keys" does do is push harder for atmosphere. The guitars are pushed back in the production to make way for webs of synthesizers and echoing keyboards. When it works, like on "Doors Unlocked and Open," you start wondering if DCFC has been poking around the Eno or Roxy Music albums. But when the decide to let guitars run the song ("You Are a Tourist," the best song here), it makes you wish they would have spent a bit more time on "Codes and Keys" being straightforward. Something they do at the album's closing, "Stay Young, Go Dancing," perhaps the first time the band has ever recorded a genuine love song.
This is easily the most convoluted production the band (and long time producer Chris Walla) have ever attempted. Ben Gibbard, in particular, is processed through all sorts of effects, not always to his benefit. The musical experimentation that led to things like the extended opening to "I Will Possess Your Heart" or the gentle "Grapevine Fires" is replaced by more atmosphere and studio gimmickry. "Codes and Keys" is still a fine album, maybe even more Postal Service than DCFC, and I hope the pull the reins back towards simplicity for the next album.
