Kintsugi

1. Nedloh94

   Mar 31, 2015

   9

   The first few listens of Kintsugi were quite disappointing for me. Still, I love Death Cab, and am more than willing to give this a bit ofThe first few listens of Kintsugi were quite disappointing for me. Still, I love Death Cab, and am more than willing to give this a bit of time. Around the fifth listen, it clicked. This is perhaps the most emotionally mature, and most soulful Death Cab for Cutie album in years. I love Codes and Keys, and I love Narrow Stairs, but they lack serious heart compared to Kintsugi. The songwriting here is as excellent as one could be. The production might seem off-putting or distracting at first, but it does begin to feel natural and earned. Though Kintsugi is by no means Death Cab for Cutie's best album, the end result is quite authentically beautifully. Definitely worth the effort.… Expand

   • 3 of 4 users found this helpful
2. jankywalker

   Apr 4, 2015

   9

   This is a nice return to form following the less than stellar "Codes & Keys", and acts as a truly cathartic send off for band member ChrisThis is a nice return to form following the less than stellar "Codes & Keys", and acts as a truly cathartic send off for band member Chris Walla. If this album is any indication of DFCC's future directions, then I'm more than on board.… Expand

   • 0 of 0 users found this helpful
4. JohnTriplett

   Apr 9, 2015

   9

   Basically a more synth oriented Narrow Stairs. Sounds much better sonically than Codes and Keys. I'd say a 8.3-5 but I'm giving it a nineBasically a more synth oriented Narrow Stairs. Sounds much better sonically than Codes and Keys. I'd say a 8.3-5 but I'm giving it a nine because it deserves more than a 8. Its more consistent than Codes and Keys with the quality of its tracks that why I compare it to a electronic version of the Narrow Stairs.… Expand

   • 0 of 0 users found this helpful
5. MacsMusic

   Jul 1, 2018

   8

   It's hard to not enjoy Kintsugi - the vocals are original and fresh, the music is polished, and the lyrics are dark, mysterious, and seem toIt's hard to not enjoy Kintsugi - the vocals are original and fresh, the music is polished, and the lyrics are dark, mysterious, and seem to have depth. I have listened to K near a dozen times so far - its not that long - and some of the tracks dozens upon dozens of times. "The Ghosts of Beverly Drive" is one of my most listened-to Alt songs, since I got it back when I just started to have an interest in the genre. I've listened to "Good Help" and "Binary Sea" many times as well, and still really enjoy them. Let's talk about the music a little more. The music on every song is good, and great on several. "Black Sun" has a good sound that goes well with the dark lyrics. "The Ghosts" has amazing music, especially during the chorus. "Little Wanderer" has a magical effect on me, and I can't really say why. The lyrics are great during the chorus, and the music is really enjoyable. The dark music on "You've Haunted Me All My Life" and "Hold No Guns" is excellent. "Good Help" is one of my favorite DC songs. "El Dorado" is good musically, but has weak lyrics. "Binary Sea" takes a familiar beat and music and puts them to clever, dark, relevant lyrics. It is a great, powerful conclusion to the album. It seems like Kintsugi is not loved by people nearly as much as Plans or Transatlanticism because of the different style lyrically, but I really don't mind. K is a really good album, and I would say that it is DC's best album musically.… Expand

   • 0 of 0 users found this helpful
6. A7sus4

   Mar 31, 2015

   8

   Beautiful record. It's more emotionally moving and sparsely arranged than Codes & Keys and Narrow Stairs. The arrangements, simultaneouslyBeautiful record. It's more emotionally moving and sparsely arranged than Codes & Keys and Narrow Stairs. The arrangements, simultaneously along with Gibbard's vocals, gives the album the ability to sound both familiar and new. The songs themselves do a terrific job of moving the listener by perfectly balancing Gibbard's personal experiences with more generalized concepts reflective of painfully failed relationships, self-deception, and looking ahead without losing touch with what's past. There are a few weaker moments in the second half that prevent a higher score, but the strong material is very strong. Highlights: Black Sun, Beverly Drive, Little Wanderer, Haunted..., & Binary Sea… Expand

   • 1 of 3 users found this helpful
7. ellster2005

   Apr 20, 2015

   7

   It was never going to be easy for Death Cab for Cutie, it being the last album by the indie rock band to include Chris Walla, but theyIt was never going to be easy for Death Cab for Cutie, it being the last album by the indie rock band to include Chris Walla, but they ploughed through and made a pleasingly good collection of heartfelt love songs and just straight up indie. Overall a nice listen!… Expand

   • 1 of 1 users found this helpful
8. thewindowseat

   May 18, 2015

   6

   I've pretty much given up all hope of DCFC shovelling out more Tranatlanticism-esque material, although some moments on Kintsugi make it easyI've pretty much given up all hope of DCFC shovelling out more Tranatlanticism-esque material, although some moments on Kintsugi make it easy to come to those terms, but not quite so forgiving.
   
   You want to teach, but not be taught
   I wanna sell, but not be bought
   
   Gibbard should've doubled-checked himself before accusing out loud.… Expand

   • 1 of 1 users found this helpful

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