Death Cab For Cutie Strikes Gold With "Gold Rush"

Austin can certainly relate to the ghosts of edifices past as described in the lyrics of "Gold Rush." from Death Cab For Cutie"They're digging for gold in my neighborhood. Where all the old buildings stood." Gentrification being what it is there's no shortage of ghosts haunting the perimeter as new Austin replaces old Austin in painful waves. The cash cow known as music is being priced out of existence in favor of a trendier, younger demographic that makes us look like we haven't aged a day. The overall sound of "Gold Rush" brims with vitality of a kind sorely needed in these depressing times. Each man brings to the table his own brand of piss and vinegar which helps the track's appeal grow by leaps and bounds. We need all the help we can get on the energy front and vocalist Ben Gibbard provides it in an authoritative manner befitting a man railing against a changing landscape that is unavoidably so. Jason McGerr bangs away on drums like a man possessed. He truly is the heartbeat for a tune not lacking in spark. I love the anthem style of the chorus as it is repeated over and over like a battalion armed for bear, ready for a mighty showdown with a formidable enemy. Guitarist Dave Depper brings zest to the song by way of well placed melodic harmonies that add oomph to the song in all the right places. The video is highly interesting to look at, grimy facade and all. Meshed together as a whole "Gold Rush" relies on many facets to drive its point home. Again it all comes down to energy which "Gold Rush" has in spades. Nick Harmer's bass should not be denied either. It's surely a welcome meat and potatoes add on to the cut that will hold up in repeated listening. In short "Gold Rush" should strike it rich with alternative audiences.