Death Cab for Cutie is in a new phase. The band is long past being a scrappy underground darling and is now firmly entrenched as one of the biggest bands around. On top of that, frontman Ben Gibbard somehow managed to land Zooey Deschanel. It’s a comfy position to be in.
So it’s somewhat surprising that Death Cab’s newest release The Open Door EP, which is comprised of a handful of leftovers from the Narrow Stairs recording session, sounds so fresh. This type of b-side album isn’t supposed to be as good, if not better, than the actual album. It’s supposed to be the disregarded leftovers, but instead it stands as the most upbeat and cheeriest Death Cab release to date. Maybe the good life has rubbed off on the group. Maybe (dare it be suggested) the band known for sad songs is finally happy.
The tunes on The Open Door EP have a pep in their step that is uncharacteristic for the band. From the head-bopping feel of “My Mirror Speaks” to the fuzzed out solo on “Little Bribes,” the songs all have a carefree summertime aesthetic. Even the songs with a more melancholy lyrics have a tinge of optimism. When Gibbard begs for “Pity, take pity on me, cause I’m not half the man I should be” on “A Diamond And A Tether” or discusses how all his friends are “getting hitched and quitting drinking” while he’s resigned to a life of many failed lovers on “I Was Once A Loyal Lover,” it is done so with an air of acceptance and a sliver of hope. Additionally, demo of “Talking Bird,” which consists only of a ukulele and Gibbard’s singing, is a far superior version to the one that appears on Narrow Stairs. It’s stripped down nature is so much more warm and emotional than the full band arrangement.
The Open Door EP is light and fun. It’s a wistful reminder that Death Cab still has many good days in front of it.
Review Score: 7.8
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