(Credit: Danny Clinch)
Death Cab For Cutie fans first got a taste of the band's new material when a couple songs from Ben Gibbard's solo Noise Pop concert leaked online. However, the recordings were grainy and you could totally hear people talking in the background. (Not cool!)
However, Death Cab just released the first single off their new album, Codes And Keys. It's called "You Are A Tourist" -- and it's a beaut.
Musically speaking, "Tourist" is definitely a throwback to the band's earlier era, with its mounting drums and galloping guitars. Think "The Song Of Settling" (off 2003's Transatlanticism) or "Movie Script Ending" (off 2001's The Photo Album).
Lyrically, "Tourist" is all about listening to your heart and following your dreams. Sample lyrics include: "If you feel like a tourist in the city you were born/Then it's time to go/And then find your destination/There are so many different places to call home."
If this song is any indication of the album's direction, sign me up for the preorder! Plus, I can't tell you how nice it is to hear a Death Cab song that doesn't make me wanna cry. (I mean, just try to listen "I Will Follow You Into The Dark" without weeping like Dawson Leery. Go ahead. I dare you.)
+ Listen to Death Cab For Cutie's "You Are A Tourist." And, if you need to let it out, watch the band's video for "I Will Follow You Into The Dark" below.