It’s safe to say that the alt-rock band Death Cab for Cutie did not serve fans short with their almost 2 hour set at the 02 Academy on Tuesday night.

Formed in 1997, the band triumphantly carry the torch for Seattle’s rich alternative rock scene into 2019, where 20 years ago the likes of Nirvana, Soundgarden and Pearl Jam were born. The four-piece band were extremely comfortable on stage, seamlessly playing some of their oldest and most recent material.

Featuring many virtuosic guitar solos, the band played an eclectic mix of songs, from the soft acoustic solo performance of ‘I will follow you into the dark’, to the more upbeat, feel-good ‘Gold Rush’. Guitarist, Dave Depper, flaunted an impressive catalogue of guitars (perhaps most notable to myself- a reflective black glittery number), changing almost every song.

Frontman, Ben Gibbard, gave a versatile performance, exhibiting experimental guitar, piano and of course, unmistakable vocals that no doubt serve as the highlight for the bands cult-like following; a diverse, devoted and niche group.

The on-stage banter however, was questionable, and left the audience feeling somewhat awkward. Nevertheless, their attempt at communicating with fans proved endearing, and went far in humanising the band. Despite their experience and lengthy presence within the music industry, their characters appeared very humble, making them even more likeable.

A strong ending to the show, the band finished with the lengthy 8-minute song ‘Translanticism’, leaving the fans satisfied to say the least, given their 10/ 10 efforts in delivering a generous, exciting performance.

Lest I forget to mention the wind machine that left Gibbard’s hair amusingly floating mid-air throughout the entirety of the performance.

Gabby Kenny

Header Image Credit Bands Website