A
“Codes and Keys” is easily Deathcab for Cutie‘s best album since “Transatlanticism.” “Transatlanticism” featured up-tempo music with melancholy lyrics (The New Year, The Sound of Settling). The followup (and major label debuts) “Plans” and “Narrow Stairs” retained the sadness of the lyrics and combined it with even sadder music. “Codes and Keys” retains none of the downers found in the last two albums. Instead, it’s a return to the catchy music of “Transatlanticism” with something new: upbeat lyrics. This could be contributed to singer/songwriter/guitarist Ben Gibbard‘s 2009 marriage to and one-half of the duo She and Him’s Zooey Deschanel and bassist Nick Harmer‘s 2010 marriage. The title track Codes And Keys is one of the catchiest songs on the album and will draw you in. You Are A Tourist leaves you humming the melody long after the song ends. Part of what helps this album maintain its bright and dreamy quality is the addition of strings and synth loops. Deathcab for Cutie’s strength has always been in it’s guitar driven alt-rock, which is certainly the foundation of this album. “Codes and Keys” likely will be among the top ten albums of 2010.