The alternative Band, “Death Cab for Cutie,” who called Seattle, Washington their home came to Buffalo, NY and played the intimate Kleinhan’s Music Hall this past Tuesday night. Touring with the Magic*Magic Orchestra, the band offered a different spin on the 27 song set list. Death Cab is currently on tour in support of their latest effort “Codes and Keys.”
Vocalist Benjamin Gibbard appeared and took the stage behind the keyboards, with only the Magic*Magic Orchestra, and belted out an ear appeasing “Passenger Seat.” The band played 4 songs off of “Codes and Keys” and also added a cover of REM’s “Near Wild Heaven,” which seemed to be a crowd delight. Gibbard stuck primarily to the guitar except on the song “Codes and Keys,” where he went back to the keys and fellow guitarist Chris Walla joined him on his own keyboard. Gibbard also remarked that it was the first time the band has been back to Buffalo in 10 years he believes, and then ended up apologizing for it. He also remarked that it was the first show they played where they had ushers showing people to their seats.
I appreciate any band stepping outside of its comfort zone and trying something new, and Death Cab for Cutie playing with the Magic*Magic Orchestra demonstrated a valiant attempt at it. I must admit that I know very little of the band and what they had to offer. I didn’t see much variation between songs and the band wasn’t very spontaneous, plus they pretty much stayed in their respective places on stage throughout the performance. The primarily college-aged crowd appreciated the band for what it is and that was delivering short and to the point songs without much flair for the dramatic. I came away still hungry, but If the crowd came away feeling fulfilled then who am I to argue?
Setlist:
Passenger Seat
Different Names for the Same Thing
A Movie Script Ending
Grapevine Fires
Codes and Keys
Underneath the Sycamore
Little Fury Bugs
Death of an Interior Decorator
You are a Tourist
Bend to Squares
Hindsight
Cath…
No Joy in Mudville
What Sarah Said
Soul Meets Body
Stay Young, Go Dancing
Encore:
Steadier Footing
Near Wild Heaven (REM cover)
Your Heart is an Empty Room
Monday Morning
I Will Follow You Into the Dark
Tiny Vessels
Transatlanticsm
We would like to thank Mike Montoro from Kleinhans for his assistance in obtaining the photos pass and allowing BackstageAxxess to cover the show.
