@sasharodriguez

09/23/2023

On December 8th 2022, The Postal Service announced a 20th anniversary tour performing the entirety of Give Up. Additionally the tour announced co-headliner Death Cab for Cutie which would also celebrate Transatlanticism. Both bands are fronted by Ben Gibbard. The Postal Service brings Jenny Lewis, Rilo Kiley front-woman, and Jimmy Tamborello. Before this reunion tour, The Postal Service had been silent. Despite a few encouragements to get out and vote and a live version of their album, nothing of a reunion tour had ever been mentioned. Their last live performance was a Lollapalooza after-show at the Metro on August 5th 2013, ten years ago.

They hit Chicago for the first time at Riot Fest this year. Circling back around to return to the newly renovated Salt Shed for “a proper concert” as Gibbard puts it. This time around it was indeed much more intimate than seeing the groups perform at a massive festival.

The stage was set for Death Cab for cutie. Adorned with red cables and red lighting following the themes of Transatlanticism. As soon as Gibbard struck that first chord you can feel everyone moving. For many people in the crowd these groups are a reminder of their youth, a very twee 2003. It was incredible to feel the music and see everyone around me enjoying their night and singing along.

Once Death Cab had finished up there was a short twenty minute change. The Postal Service took the stage, dressed in all white, they even switched out the red cables for white. The man, the myth, the legend Jimmy Tamborello, aka Dntel, worked his magic during a personal favorite of mine “Such Great Heights”. It was mesmerizing to see Jenny Lewis enjoy the stage as much as she did. Especially during “Nothing Better”, a conversation between Gibbard and Lewis about love and leaving. The chemistry between the pair was remarkable to see live. “Nothing Better” on its own is already a great twist on two sides of a love story. To be able to be there and see the story form before my eyes was amazing. Their vocals work so well together already that their performance make this song a cut above all the rest.

The lights were wonderful as well. Rows of blue interchanging with green and purple. There were two songs that got people moving, “Clark Gable” and “We Will Become Silhouettes”. Performed back to back, it was enjoyable to see everyone bouncing up and down following the lead of the group onstage.

To close out the night, Gibbard and Lewis performed an acoustic version of “Such Great Heights”. Their version was a cover of a cover of the original song and it was lovely to hear this song performed in a different way. And finally wrapping up with an entire group performance of Depeche Mode’s hit “Enjoy the Silence”. The group came together for a final bow.

Death Cab For Cutie and The Postal Service continue to roll through the US celebrating the 20th anniversary of two legendary albums. If you get the chance to catch one of the shows on this tour you will not regret it. The music that reminds us of the twee days should always hold a special place in our hearts. To feel young again is almost always worth it so enjoy it while it lasts.