Formed in 1997 and originating from the college town of Bellingham, Washington, USA (but since relocated to Seattle), Death Cab For Cutie has endured numerous comparisons to similarly styled alternative rock outfits such as Built To Spill and Modest Mouse, although the band's sound is equally influenced by renowned UK acts such as the Beatles, the Cure and the Kinks, while Ben Gibbard (b. Benjamin Gabriel Gibbard, 11 August 1976, Bremerton, Washington, USA; vocals/guitar)'s lyrics usually deal with heartbreak and relationship break-ups.
Initially comprising just Gibbard, the band name was taken from a song performed in the film Magical Mystery Tour by progressive UK comic troupe the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band. Gibbard recorded a cassette-only album before recruiting Chris Walla (b. Christopher Walla, 2 November 1975, Bothell, Washington, USA; guitar/organ), Nicholas Harmer (b. 23 January 1975, Landstuhl, Germany; bass) and Nathan Good (b. 1975; drums). The quartet signed on with the independent Barsuk Records shortly afterwards. Their 1998 release Something About Airplanes was a critical success, but shortly after the completion of the follow-up We Have The Facts And We're Voting Yes (which was produced, recorded, and mixed by Walla), original drummer Good was replaced by Michael Schorr. The band's third set The Photo Album (2001) was book-ended by two EPs, The Forbidden Love E.P. and The Stability E.P. Schorr was subsequently replaced by Jason McGerr (ex-Eureka Farm) as the band set out on a successful tour with Dismemberment Plan.
Death Cab For Cutie's breakthrough album Transatlanticism (2003) drew gushing praise from critics and fans alike, and the band's popularity was further bolstered when tracks from the album appeared on the soundtrack of the popular US series, The O.C. After signing a new recording contract with Atlantic Records at the end of 2004, Death Cab For Cutie set about completing work on their major label debut. Plans reached the US Top 5 shortly after its release in September 2005. Gibbard also records with Dntel's Jimmy Tamborello under the Postal Service moniker, while Walla released a solo album at the start of 2008.
