DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE
You Can Play These Songs With Chords
(Barsuk Records)
Reviewed by Alan Wright

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I know absolutely nothing about this group, even though they're from the Northwest and have a huge buzz about them. They've never played with anyone I would go see, which is instantly suspect for me. So, this was my first exposure to the critical darlings, and I guess I just don't see what the fuss is all about. I think "emo" would be an apt description for them, and I'm not a huge "emo" fan. There was a time, long ago, when "emo" meant a type of mostly D.C. based hardcore punk bands that sang songs from an emotional, rather than political, stance. Bands like Embrace, Dag Nasty, Soul Side and Ignition cone to mind. Since that time, emo has been watered down and reduced it seems to a bunch of whiney pretty boys. DCFC are no exception. While there's some interesting things here and there, for the most part I found them unremarkable and pretty tepid. Their cover of the Smiths classic "This Charming Man" is uninspired sounding and when they flirt with dance/techno sounds, it gets really unbearable. Not for me, thank you.

© 2003 - Alan Wright