Without further ado, ALL HAIL TRANSATLANTICISM!
Where does this stuff come from? After three albums of low-fi, indie-shoegazer anthems, Death Cab decided to design an album that flows from beginning to end, rather than a collection of songs--with beautiful results.
...And your point is? The album is a loose depiction of the narrator's life after his girlfriend abandons him in favor of the promise of Eurasia. The resulting effect of being separated by an ocean is the invented word, "Transatlanticism." The narrator reminisces about the good times they had, is plagued by reminders of their former connection, and ultimately blames his ex-lover for his current disposition. Various vignettes of melancholia and yearning lead to the two-part finale--the jarringly aggressive "We Looked Like Giants" and the slow unfurling of "A Lack of Color--where the narrator realizes that his actions drove his love away, leaving only himself to blame. It's a unique take on the standard "emo" fare, one that is both touching and thought-provoking--without being cliched.
Tell us what you really think (my 50-word review). DCFC’s ”Transatlanticism” is an amazing exercise of combining polar opposites. Emo without the whining, introspective verses with huge choruses, and catchy with brains; the album’s triumph comes from its modesty. Simple electric-acoustic songs tied together with ambient sound take the listener on a journey into multi-layered heartache. Repeat listens demanded.
If you only listen to one song on the album... Choose the title track, "Transatlanticism." Not only does it encapsulate the plot of the album, it provides a sonic blueprint--minimalistic sound effects giving way to plaintive melodies and a slow-build to stadium-worthy resonating chords and an iconic chant. If any song can capture the entire breadth of Transatlanticism, look no further than this terrifically epic tune:
For those of you well-versed in Death Cab, what's your take on this LP? And for the uninitiated, are you encouraged to learn more? Sound off!!!
