Death Cab for Cutie - 14th July 2008 - KOKO Camden, London
Support - Das Pop


As part of the iTunes Live series festival in London that plays host to a variety of known and up and coming acts ranging from N*E*R*D* to McFly, tonight’s performance showcases the crowning glory of the indie emo scene in the form of Death Cab for Cutie. Formed in 1997 and signing with Atlantic records in 2004 this band has maintained a low and yet successful profile while not punching directly into the mainstream culture they have found a cult following; one of the more known mentions coming in the form of the undying affection from ‘The O.C.’ character Seth Cohen. After a short break in 2007 the band have come back in style with ‘Narrow Stairs’; an album that triumphs in capturing the elegance and wonder of their live performances and the smart yet cool lyrical tracks.

Tonight’s performance kicks off with a poppy and upbeat set from Das Pop that have a joyous flair that makes them both entertaining and addictive to watch. Das Pop kept the crowd happy and continued through a small language difference and we a welcome partner to the indie king legends. Death Cab’s whole performance was both sombre and energetic at the same time as their lyrics sooth the soul and the melodies raise the spirit. Performing a mix of old tracks from their American number one album ‘Narrow Stairs’ such as latest single ‘Cath...’ and the epic (and that’s putting it mildly) ‘I Will Possess Your Heart’ with a running time of over eight minutes, and old favourites such as ‘The Sound of Settling’ and an acoustic ‘I Will Follow You Into The Dark’.

With a relaxed tone for the whole evening the band pull the crowd together in harmony to create a united front that celebrate the music in evening way possible. As the night wears on you are lulled into a calm sleepy doze as each track carries you away with it. I’m just glad I didn’t completely drop off on the tube home to make it home in time and reach my bed. Though they haven’t quite cracked into the mainstream of UK music culture their underdog and cult status suits the tone of the band and their music so it is with a warm heart that they are met by London and the iTunes crowd.


Review by Laura Heath


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