This was my first experience with Death Cab. As well it should be, as it’s their debut album. Being a fan of Built to Spill, someone suggested I take a listen to these guys. At first the whole thing seemed a little gloomy to me. I’m not sure what else to expect from rainy Washington state. It took multiple listens, but the amazing quality of the music created a mood that tends to stick with you for quite a while—even if it has a somewhat sad pall. A lot of this is due to the production quality with its echoey approach that kind of masks everything in a sheen of dreaminess. Also the effect of Ben Gibbard’s weepy Beach Boys vocals makes this album just a tinge too sad for me to listen to on a regular basis. Save it for a rainy day.