With the 2012 Summerfest run sweltering on we came to Thursday night, literally and figuratively one of the Fest’s hottest nights to date. Not only was the thermometer tickling triple digits, but a fan of quality alternative music faced quite the dilemma as The Avett Brothers, Young The Giant and Death Cab For Cutie all took the stage at the same time.
My decision was fully vindicated as the set unfolded featuring a nice, even balance of new and sort-of old. The band rolled through a smattering of tracks from its latest Codes and Keys (“Home Is A Fire” and “Your Are A Tourist” were highlights), 2005’s Plans (“Crooked Teeth” was more energetic live than recorded), and 2003’s Transatlanticism (“The New Year” and “Lightness” were nothing short of brilliant). But the heaviest lifting was definitely from 2008’s Narrow Stairs (“Cath…” and “Long Division” went over particularly well).
Frontman Ben Gibbard didn’t talk much with the crowd throughout the set, but he managed to deliver one of the most interesting and cringe-inducing comments about the oppressive heat saying it was like “two rats making love in a wool sock all day long.” Disgusting? Sure. Disturbingly accurate? Absolutely.
But as the band immediately launched into a gorgeous rendition of “Grapevine Fires” (the highlight of the evening for me), all inappropriate analogies were forgiven and the crowd was reminded of why Death Cab continues its reign as one of the most influential alternative bands of the last decade.
