Death Cab for Cutie

Born in Bellingham, Washington, Death Cab for Cutie formed in 1997 around singer and guitarist Ben Gibbard. Originally a solo project, it quickly expanded into a full band featuring Nick Harmer on bass and Chris Walla on guitar and production. Part of the Pacific Northwest indie rock and emo scene, the band developed a sound blending melodic guitars, understated keyboards and restrained rhythms, underpinning detailed, introspective lyrics. After lo-fi beginnings and their debut album Something About Airplanes (1998), the group refined its songwriting on We Have the Facts and We’re Voting Yes (2000) and The Photo Album (2001), while building a presence on the club and college circuit. The release of Transatlanticism (2003) marked a move toward more expansive compositions and led to a major-label deal, which saw Plans (2005) and Narrow Stairs (2008) released, followed by Codes and Keys (2011). Anchored by Ben Gibbard’s clear vocals and Chris Walla’s arrangements until his departure in 2014, Death Cab for Cutie went on to release Kintsugi (2015), Thank You for Today (2018) and Asphalt Meadows (2022), maintaining a steady touring presence across the U.S. and Europe.