Indie darlings Death Cab For Cutie have produced some awe inspiring songs over the last few decades. Although Keys & Codes Remix EP is a good experimental departure from their guitar leanings and melancholy edge, fails to reach the emotive heights of single “I Will Follow You Into The Dark” or “I Will Possess Your Heart”.
Let us eschew comparisons to their old material for a moment; Death Cab for Cutie, like many bands is continually developing their sound, trying to produce the next masterpiece, thus their foray into the dance genre could be evidence of their evolution or mere ennui. If Keys & Codes was a stronger original release, the dance remix may never have eventuated or the band are looking to expand their fan base.
Stand out tracks are Cut Copy's mix of “Doors Unlocked & Open”, with its syncopated conga drum beat and some juicy synth melanges and Yeasayer's “Codes & Keys” with a dreamy violin intro following some synthesised percussion. “Some Boys” mixed by RAC Maury has elements of a Death From Above 1979 track about it; while there's an immediacy that dance music fans will find comforting and even the synthesised chorus of “You Are A Tourist” from The 2 Bears is clever.
Overall the Keys & Codes Remix EP has some catchy tunes and infectious danceable tracks, but may not appeal to those yearning for the darker Death Cab For Cutie of old.
Reviewer Score: 6.5/10
