Kintsugi
by Death Cab for Cutie
  • Record Label: Atlantic
  • Release Date: Mar 31, 2015
Metascore
67

Generally favorable reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 30
  3. Negative: 1 out of 30
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  1. Spin
    Apr 3, 2015
    60
    Gibbard’s downcast verses keep Kintsugi all too safely anchored and docked.
  2. No Ripcord
    Apr 2, 2015
    60
    Kintsugi is unfortunately as bland as they come, and no good amount of mourning, sonorous guitars can excuse the fact it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find a relatable common ground in Gibbard’s repressed impulses.
  3. Sputnikmusic
    Mar 31, 2015
    60
    Kintsugi suffers from many of the same flaws that have afflicted past releases, from a tendency to overthink arrangements to Gibbard’s more frequent relapses into trite turns of phrase and the occasional hint of immaturity.
  5. Slant Magazine
    Mar 30, 2015
    60
    Where Kintsugi falters is in its sacrifice of momentum for structure.
  6. The Guardian
    Mar 26, 2015
    60
    It doesn’t always work: sometimes it’s too overwrought and wanders into cliched territory.
  7. NOW Magazine
    Mar 25, 2015
    60
    The band's maturing on Kintsugi, which, if you remember the haircut and attitude of your 16-year-old self, is always a good thing.
  8. Mojo
    Mar 19, 2015
    60
    Its 11, quietly assured alt-rock growers let Ben Gibbard's appealingly detached vocals and quality-controlled lyrics do the heavy lifting. [Apr 2015, p.94]
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  9. Q Magazine
    Mar 6, 2015
    60
    While they are likely to appease their devotees with this solid, if unadventurous record, it seems that Death Cab For Cutie will continue preaching to the converted. [Apr 2015, p.110]
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  10. Alternative Press
    Mar 6, 2015
    60
    These offerings feel uncharacteristically flat. [Apr 3015, p.92]
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  11. Pretty Much Amazing
    Mar 31, 2015
    58
    Discarding the albums actually awesome opener, “No Room in Frame”,--which briefly had me hoping for some tangible musical progress from the band--Kintsugi is more or less 45 minutes of boy-next-door, paint-by-number indie pop
  12. Pitchfork
    Apr 2, 2015
    55
    Little of Kintsugi gives the impression that Gibbard’s motivation to reboot Death Cab is matched by legitimate inspiration.
  13. Under The Radar
    Mar 30, 2015
    55
    Despite its strengths, Kintsugi fails to leave the same lasting impression as so much of the band's prior discography.
  14. Consequence
    Mar 27, 2015
    42
    Gibbard never swings hard enough to strike out completely, with occasionally unfortunate production balanced by warm melodies, one of Gibbard’s greatest strengths as a musician.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 57 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 41 out of 57
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 57
  3. Negative: 3 out of 57
  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.… Full Review »
  2. 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.    … Full Review »
  3. 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!… Full Review »
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