Death Cab For Cutie Announce New Album 'I Built You A Tower' and Reflective Single 'Riptides'
Death Cab For Cutie have announced their eleventh studio album, 'I Built You A Tower', along with the release of the first single, 'Riptides'. The album marks their return to an indie label after over 20 years.
Death Cab For Cutie have officially announced their new album, 'I Built You A Tower', slated for release on June 5 via ANTI-. Along with the announcement, the band has shared their new single 'Riptides'. This marks their first release on an indie label after being with Atlantic for over two decades, signaling a return to their independent roots dating back to their formation in 1997. You can pre-order the album here.
The album was recorded over three weeks at Animal Rites in Los Angeles, and at the band members' homes in Seattle, Bellingham, Los Angeles and Portland.
About the single, Ben Gibbard said: “'Riptides' is about the challenge of dealing with personal struggles as the world around us experiences tragedy and loss on an unfathomable scale. And how when these two elements intertwine themselves in our psyches, it feels utterly paralysing.”
The band also announced UK and European tour dates, adding to their previously announced North American tour. Presales begin March 18, with general sales starting March 20.
Death Cab for Cutie’s UK and European Tour Dates:
SEPTEMBER 2026
- 16 – Dublin, Ireland – 3Olympia Theatre
- 19 – Manchester, UK – O2 Victoria Warehouse
- 20 – Edinburgh, UK – Corn Exchange
- 21 – Gateshead, UK – The Glasshouse
- 23 – Bristol, UK – The Prospect Building
- 25 – London, UK – Troy
- 29 – Utrecht, Netherlands – TivoliVredenburg
- 30 – Brussels, Belgium – Cirque Royal
OCTOBER 2026
- 1 – Berlin, Germany – Columbiahalle
- 3 – Paris, France – Elysée Montmartre
Tickets for the UK and European gigs are available here.
A statement regarding the new album revealed that Gibbard faced immense personal pressure, balancing Death Cab for Cutie and the Postal Service while dealing with personal struggles.
Gibbard explains: “There’s this need to find a place in ourselves to put loss and grief. A place that can hold it so we can move on with our lives. But there are these moments where the trauma breaks out of that shell we created for it.”
The album explores reconciling with past selves to find a new future. Dave Depper added that the anniversary tours helped them exorcise any nostalgia and capture a powerful feeling in something new. Nicholas Harmer emphasizes the band's return to their earliest versions, prioritizing the musicians' enjoyment and reconnecting with the confidence that comes with it.
Death Cab For Cutie recorded the album in just three weeks. Gibbard stated that they embraced a deeply human, slightly messy sound, aiming for authenticity rather than an airbrushed image.
The new album follows the band's 20th-anniversary celebration of their 2005 album 'Plans' last year. Earlier this year, Gibbard covered Morrissey songs with a Smiths tribute band at the SF Sketch Fest.
Related Articles
Listen to Death Cab for Cutie on Foxsoundi. Click here to listen!
Comments (0)
Login to comment