Death Cab for Cutie
Thank You For Today

In recent years, the challenges for Death Cab For Cutie, particularly for their leader Ben Gibbard, never seem to end.

Ninth studio album (three years after the decent "Kintsugi"), "Thank You For Today" is the first work from the American band without an essential member like guitarist Chris Walla, who has been replaced by two members, Dave Depper and Zac Rae, both handling guitars and synthesizer (both had already debuted on the single "Million Dollar Loan" two years ago).

Therefore, there was considerable curiosity about the path taken by the stars and stripes quintet, which, however, in the end, does not diverge much from what was done with the predecessor. In terms of sound, we find ourselves in front of an expansion and greater focus on what was proposed with "Kintsugi", and often (as perhaps widely predictable) Walla's guitar lines (crucial for the band's sound) are replaced by delicate synth patterns and never too invasive layering in the sound.

Perhaps, compared to the very recent past, there is a greater focus on the intensity and pathos of each single track, while the band is less inclined to get carried away by driving rhythmic progressions (with the spectacular exception of "Summer Years", with a bouncy pattern that at times recalls Thom Yorke's solo work).

For the rest, Gibbard and company emphasize the evocative quality, and despite a catchy single like the beautiful "Gold Rush" (a truly engaging and focused stomp), they soar towards spacious and airy lands with a striking climax in the beautiful "Northern Lights" (featuring the precious vocal cameo of Lauren Mayberry from Chvrches) and the closing "60 & Punk", a smoky and fascinating piano ballad.

The essential and dry production by Rich Costey (confirmed since Kintsugi) proves fitting for DCFC-style midtempo tracks like "I Dreamt We Spoke Again" and "Near/Far", which would otherwise be flattened and predictable. "Your Hurricane" is a splendid nod to the atmospheres of the unforgettable "Plans", while the new single "Autumn Love" reiterates once again how fundamental R.E.M. has been for this genre of production.

"Thank You For Today" is an excellent album, which definitively sharpens what began with "Kintsugi" and charts a clear path for the post-Walla era. Gibbard can be fully satisfied with it.

Best track: Northern Lights