Snapshots: Death Cab for Cutie Will Possess Your Ears

A lean, mean version of Ben Gibbard took to the stage on Friday night to prove that marrying into Hollywood and major label success hasn't marred the utopian vision for Death Cab for Cutie. While Gibbard's frame has become more svelte, the band's sound has actually increased in both weight and aggravated edge. Throwing his guitar to the stage during the intro to "I Will Posses Your Heart", Gibbard stormed over to the keyboard to take out his frustrations. A transition that is a natural part of the album version was suddenly a moment of angry frustration at at a broken string; a dose of theatrical awareness from a band known more for introspective romanticism than guitar-hurling dramatics.

The perks of major label touring were definitely evident, from the rich red stage carpet to the intricate and dramatic lighting during songs like "Grapevine Fires". Like the song's imagery of California firestorms, the night's set built toward a raging crescendo with the thundering, reverb-packed classic "Transatlanticism". Openers Ra Ra Riot must have felt extra lucky that Death Cab has such a loyal fan base. Greeted by an already packed an exuberant Music Hall the sextet played cuts off their self-titled EP and their full-length album The Rhumb Line while many in the crowd sang along. Follow the jump for a full DCFC set list.

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