Death Cab for Cutie, Brixton Academy, November 19th
Death Cab for Cutie played Brixton Academy for the second time in six months
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Sunday, 23, Nov 2008 12:24
John McGlone sees the US band take on the Brixton Academy, delivering a knockout performance.
Seattle-ites Death Cab for Cutie hit town armed with a US number one album, a back catalogue the envy of many a band. Add to this a fervent crowd who are in worship mode, and you have yourself a hugely successful venture.
Kicking the show off with old favourite The Employment Pages, Ben Gibbard and co keep them coming and coming. To call them a slick outfit would be unfair in its implicit suggestion of the workmanlike. Instead, The performance is full of vibrancy and energy from a band at the top of their game.
Pick of the songs from new cut Narrow Stairs, Cath, is massive in sound and reflective of their arena-band status in the States. Juxtaposed is crowd favourite I will Follow You into the Dark, dedicated to those "lookin' for love". It is a moment for the mobile phone's record mode, with Ben Gibbard playing troubadour under a spotlight. It is universally intimate and very beautiful.
Ending with a 1-2-3 punch from critics' favourite Transatlanticism, culminating with the epic title track, a bewitched crowd were rapturous in their reaction. Even the balcony folk stood up to applaud. An achievement indeed.
Despite belonging to the big time over in their native USA, Death Cab for Cutie remain a cult concern on our shores. It doesn't stop them, however, from filling the Brixton Academy and rocking it like they own the place. This is, after all, the second time they have done so in the last 6 months. That's quite a cult.
Set-list:
The Employment Pages
Your Heart Is An Empty Room
The New Year
We Laugh Indoors
Crooked Teeth
No Sunlight
Grapevine Fires
Title Track
Where Soul Meets Body
I Will Follow You Into The Dark
I Will Possess Your Heart
Cath
A Movie Script Ending
Long Division
Sound of Settling
Bixby Canyon Bridge
What Sarah Said
Title and Registration
Expo 86
Transatlanticism
John McGlone