Issue date: 9/15/06 Section: Arts & Entertainment

When passing over the pecan shells of the school, down the stairs of the Brick Pit, or just in front of your lounge on the way to your room, tidbits of conversations reach the casual observer's ears, whether these pieces of someone else's life want to be heard or not. Among the stranger things that have been heard are "Death Cab for Cutie" among other vague musical references. This may seem unbelievable to some, but did you know that Death Cab for Cutie (commonly referred to simply as Death Cab or DCFC) has been an independent rock band for roughly eight years? Death Cab has had a strong cult following the majority of their band 'life'. In fact, the band produced nine albums before mainstream media even bothered to give them a second look. Now played on virtually every alternative rock radio station, the sound of Death Cab has caught on to the world.

Death Cab for Cutie: what an odd name. Death Cab for Cutie's name was inspired by a song title from a 60's UK band, The Bonzo Dog Band. Apparently the name stuck, as its sheer individuality allows their music to draw attention. Although the name was established at the band's beginning, their sound has evolved through their triumphs and trials, both individually and as a band.

Although the changes aren't as obvious as they are in other bands thought of when they go from "independent" to "mainstream," Death Cab's sound has evolved over the years they have been together. The most obvious changes have been in the bass, the drumming style. The drums for Death Cab have been played by different drummers virtually every new album that they've produced. Although the drums are the most obvious change, the style of the band's songs has changed also: from one CD to the next, they subtly evolve from slow, musical beginnings, to blunt vocals. Their songs now send a much more powerful message than what was being found in the earlier songs.

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