Halfway through right now and this is hitting all the right buttons for me for a Death Cab album in 2026. I Built You a Tower into Envy the Birds is my early highlight, I agree with the Photo Album comparisons.
Really enjoyable listen on the first go. Can't help but be reminded that this is the third album with Dave and Zac being involved in writing so it's not surprising to me that this is when they'd really find their stride with the new inputs.
It's a really great Track 2. The opener sort of lulls you in then Jason gets you going with that breakbeat and it's a party.
I liked a lot of kintsgi - asphalt; but these initial first few listens did way more for me than anything post Narrow Stairs
Wish I felt the way you guys do but this was easily my least favorite first listen of a death cab record
This definitely feels like a breakup album. Somewhat odd comparison but it reminds me a lot of Coldplay's Ghost Stories vibes-wise.
I was a bit lukewarm on the singles in isolation but having a once through this, I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would.
I’ve liked Codes and Keys-Asphalt Meadows but I can see this becoming my favorite since Narrow Stairs. The more aggressive sound on some of the songs really works for me and there were quite a few songs/moments that caught me off guard. Feels good still being surprised by one of your favorite bands, especially one that’s been around as long as they have.
I’m on envy the birds right now and this feels like a return to form for the boys. I do miss some of the noisier/experimental textures on AM but you can’t deny death cab doing what they do best
Not sold on the opening track yet, but the rest of the album is fantastic. Some parts remind me of The Photo Album, but there's A LOT that feels reminiscent to Narrow Stairs.
The intro song opened up for me after 3-4 full album listens. The tracks I’m not as into are Envy the Birds (not my favorite vocal melody, I respect what they’re doing more than I enjoy it) and Flavor of Metal (it’s like the 3rd or 4th pleasant mid-tempo track after Pep Talk and Trap Door and I don’t yet see the unique features it brings but I’m sure it’ll click eventually). Everything else is all pretty fantastic.
This was even better on second listen. Good record. The intro into "Punching the Flowers" is good stuff.
Back half of this from stone over water on is incredibly strong. Not feeling envy the birds. Great album but somehow nothing crazy stands out or jumps out at me in a lasting way. Great album but I will wonder the kind of staying power it has in their discography.
I think everyone having a different favorite set of songs is a good sign for longevity. It means there’s interesting substance throughout that is connecting with people.