Fans are eagerly gathering at the OVO Hydro, excited to witness a unique musical event featuring The Postal Service and Death Cab for Cutie. Both bands are headlining a special tour that marks the 20th anniversary of two significant albums in their respective discographies. In 2003, Ben Gibbard achieved remarkable success with two significant musical projects that left an indelible mark on the indie music scene. As the frontman of Death Cab for Cutie, he released the deeply resonant album “Transatlanticism,” an acclaimed exploration of long-distance relationships that resonated with listeners worldwide. Concurrently, he ventured into the realm of electro-pop with his side project, The Postal Service. This project bore the album “Give Up,” which captivated audiences with its hypnotic melodies and innovative sound. Together, these albums showcased Gibbard’s versatile talent and solidified his status as a pivotal figure in contemporary music.
The concert kicked off with a fantastic performance by Glasgow’s very own Teenage Fanclub. Norman Blake, along with the rest of the band, captivated the audience as they took centre stage. They delivered an impressive, albeit brief, set that truly showcased their musical prowess. Norman addressed the crowd briefly, humorously noting that there was “no time to talk” since they were limited to a seven-song set. Throughout their performance, Teenage Fanclub played several of their beloved tracks. The set included fan favourites such as “Home” and “I Don’t Want Control of You.” They concluded their performance on a high note with a stellar rendition of “The Concept,” leaving the audience wanting more. Their set was not just a display of their enduring appeal, but also a reminder of their significant place in the music scene.
Death Cab for Cutie initiated their concert with the strikingly powerful chords of “The New Year,” with each band member dressed in sleek black attire, emphasizing a focus purely on their musical performance. The band led the audience on an emotional journey through their album “Transatlanticism,” featuring profoundly touching songs such as “Passenger Seat” and the poignant album’s namesake track. Throughout the performance, Ben Gibbard’s genuine enthusiasm for performing was unmistakable. His animated presence and lively movements across the stage clearly conveyed his delight in sharing the music, making the experience all the more engaging for the audience.
The Postal Service burst onto the scene with an electrifying presence that immediately captivated the audience. Dressed head-to-toe in pristine white, the four members of the band made a striking visual statement. This choice of attire might have symbolized a message of peace, or it could have been a foreshadowing of the radiant display they were set to deliver. As the opening chords of “The District Sleeps Alone Tonight” filled the air, their performance commenced with an intensity that promised an unforgettable musical journey.
The atmosphere during the performance of Give Up was notably more vibrant and energetic when compared to the earlier part of the show featuring songs from Transatlanticism. Ben Gibbard, the frontman, transformed into a remarkably different artist in this second segment. His vocal delivery was more robust, and his stage presence significantly more dynamic. At various points, he energetically leapt onto the drum kit to play, infusing the performance with additional zest and sense of excitement.
From the outset, the energy levels were high, almost inevitably so, given the opening tracks of the album. “The District Sleeps Alone Tonight” and “Such Great Heights” are not only the most recognized songs from the album but have also resonated with fans for over two decades. Their performance had the audience on their feet, with the floor of the venue—ironically a military shelter—visibly vibrating. This was momentarily alarming until the realization of our sturdy surroundings settled in.
The momentum of the concert didn’t wane as it progressed. There were several peaks in audience engagement, sometimes surprisingly so. A particularly memorable moment came with the fourth song, “Nothing Better,” which features the distinct vocals of Jenny Lewis. Her contributions to the song were met with enthusiastic cheers, reaching a crescendo during her solo part of the duet, which the crowd particularly loved.
As the set neared its conclusion, another highlight was Gibbard’s invitation to the audience to join in on the outro of “Brand New Colony.”
Overall, the concert was a thrilling journey through the band’s beloved album, marked by high-energy performances and communal fan experiences that underscored the lasting impact of these songs over the years.
Reviewed by Karen Edmond
Photographs by James Edmond
