Death Cab for Cutie @ Riviera
October 13th, 2005The reviews I’ve read of this show have not been kind. Actually, in addition to being unkind, they’ve been condesending and generally inaccurate. Here’s the thing about Death Cab for Cutie: you either like them, or you don’t like them. They’re a decent band by anyone’s standard, but it’s generally sad, mopey music. They’re not angry, just sort of melancholy. Think of the temperament of The Cure but with indie as the input instead of goth.
It was a young crowd that was extremely excited to see them. And each reviewer had to craft some comment about “The O.C.” in their criticism of the show, the band, and the crowd. I think that’s just lazy music journalism. Criticizing a band for getting a good break on a popular TV show demonstrate their envy of the band more than anything else.
All in all, they played a good set and put on a good show. The opening band “Youth Group” was entertaining as well. Overall, another evening well spent. It makes me regret leaving Lollapalooza this year before Death Cab’s set – even considering the ridiculous heat of that day.