I Built You A Tower by Death Cab for Cutie

Death Cab for Cutie is an indie rock band originally from Washington state, formed in 1997. I Built You A Tower is their 11th full length album and first since 2022’s Asphalt Meadows.

I have an interesting relationship with Death Cab. They were a huge part of our life during the Seattle years (1999 to 2004). We Have the Facts and We’re Voting Yes came out shortly after we moved there and I remember the excitement surrounding that release and going to Sonic Boom Records on release day to pick up the album. Over the five years we lived there I saw Death Cab 10+ times and their music was the soundtrack of many of our days.

Then came The Photo Album (2001) and Transatlanticism (2003, still their best) before we moved back to New York. Plans (2005) was enjoyable and I got to see them in Rochester, NY on tour supporting that record. Narrow Stairs (2008) followed and I liked that record as well… but after that I really haven’t connected with any of the four Death Cab albums that followed, until this recent one.

So, while I might not have the intense relationship with Death Cab as I did in my late 20s, this new album brings back many of the memories and feelings of those earlier years. And that I can really appreciate.