Asphalt Meadows

Death Cab for Cutie – Asphalt Meadows
Reviewed by DJ suzi boneshaker
Label: Atlantic Records
Release date: March 25, 2023

All tracks are recommended. My faves: 1, 2, 4, 5 FCCs not detected
Indie rock
RIYL: The Shins, The Postal Service, Modest Mouse, Bright Eyes

There is something lovely and soothing about Ben Gibbard’s voice. This is musically tight as per the usual for DCFC. Enjoy the rockin’ ride.

1 – I don’t Know How I Survive (3:40) catchy upbeat tempo, builds up to a more powerful rockin pop tune. Nice layered melodic backup vocals, Ben backing up Ben.
2 – Roman Candles (2:10) hammering yet not offensive rock tune, another tune that continues to build, and explode. Dramatic in a good way.
3 - Asphalt Meadows (4:05) mid-tempo and building toward the end.
4 – Rand McNally (4:06) the song starts with a pretty guitar, has a few ethereal sounding moments sprinkled through the song. It’s quite lovely.
5 – Here to Forever (3:46) this track is more upbeat, and energetic
6 - Foxglove Through The Clearcut (5:15) Ben talks us through the beginning of the song, he begins by telling us a story. Dreamy guitars and drums build up and the story continues. Slow and more unique.
7 – Pepper (2:48) – mid tempo rock song, could be a radio hit.
8 - I Miss Strangers (4:24) – faster track, gritty (for Death Cab at least) sound.
9 - Wheat Like Waves (3:38) – pretty as a summer day, mid-tempo and tambourine!
10 - Fragments From The Decade (4:38) – slightly ethereal, introspective, mellow track, builds towards the end.
11 - I’ll Never Give up on You (3:39) – mid tempo, hopeful, self-reflective.

https://deathcabforcutie.bandcamp.com/album/asphalt-meadows