Death Cab for Cutie

Keys and Codes Remix EP

Atlantic

Dec 07, 2011 Web Exclusive By Luke Winkie Bookmark and Share


The post-release victory-lap remix EP has become a remarkably ubiquitous item in the industry, but it still feels strange for Death Cab for Cutie to be doing one. The Keys and Codes Remix EP (get it?) is a remarkably beat-driven affair, with everyone from The 2 Bears to Yeasayer reconfiguring some of the central tunes of the parent LP.                  

The results are charming, cheesy, and mostly inoffensive, which probably isn't much of a surprise. Ulrich Schnauss chills "Home is a Fire," Yeasayer artlessly warbles "Codes and Keys," and Cut Copy turns in a peaks-and-valleys affair that makes "Doors Unlocked and Open" well, sound a lot like Cut Copy.                       

The best falls to Unicorn Kid, who mutates "Unobstructed Views" into a candied rave ballad, tumbling piano hook and all. But make no mistake: there isn't anything essential here—Death Cab doesn't exactly strike one as a prime source for dance floors, and the producers involved run out of ammo quickly. (www.deathcabforcutie.com)

Author rating: 5/10

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