Death Cab for Cutie returned to the NPR office to perform their second Tiny Desk Concert. Death Cab initially made their Tiny Desk debut in 2015, with just Ben Gibbard on vocals, Zac Rae on piano, and Nick Harmer on bass. Now, fresh off the release of their new album I Built You a Tower, they return as a full band, adding Dave Depper on guitar and Jason McGerr on drums. They opened their set with two cuts from I Built You a Tower, “Pep Talk” and the wistful “Stone Over Water.” They then shifted gears for some older tunes, dusting off Transatlanticism‘s “Title and Registration” and closing out the show with the Plans cut “Soul Meets Body.”
Performance Details
Death Cab for Cutie’s performance at the NPR office was a unique experience, with the band playing a mix of old and new songs. The setlist included songs from their latest album I Built You a Tower, as well as some of their older hits. Before playing “Title and Registration,” Ben Gibbard commented on how some of their earlier records are now considered oldies, and how time has passed since their release. Dave Depper responded by telling Gibbard to “stop that,” to which he responded: “That’s how time works, Dave.”
Recent Tour and Upcoming Shows
Death Cab for Cutie just finished a big week, performing two unique sets at Outside Lands last weekend. The band also concluded their 2026 North American tour in support of I Built You a Tower, with shows still to come at Seattle’s Bumbershoot, a date supporting Twenty One Pilots in Ohio, and a headlining show at the Salt Shed in Chicago. Fans can get tickets to see Death Cab for Cutie live here.
Critical Acclaim
The band’s latest album I Built You a Tower has received critical acclaim, and was named one of the Best Albums of June 2026. The album has been praised for its thoughtful lyrics and soaring melodies, and is a must-listen for fans of Death Cab for Cutie.
In conclusion, Death Cab for Cutie‘s Tiny Desk Concert was a memorable performance, showcasing the band’s ability to blend old and new songs into a cohesive setlist. With their recent tour and upcoming shows, fans have plenty of opportunities to see the band live and experience their music firsthand. Be sure to check out their latest album I Built You a Tower and watch their Tiny Desk Concert below.
Pixel P. Snarkbyte, widely regarded as the “Shakespeare of Sh*tposts,” is a video game expert with a unique knack for turning pixels into punchlines.
Born in the small town of Respawn, Pennsylvania, Pixel grew up mashing buttons on an ancient NES controller, firmly believing that “blowing into the cartridge” was a sacred ritual passed down through generations.
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