Death Cab for Cutie’s 2003 album Transatlanticism is one of the best albums released in the past 20 years. I’m always fascinated by how various artists interpret its songs. Today, Vehlinggo premieres Cemetery Gates’ haunting and sacred interpretation of “Passenger Seat” from the album.
Cemetery Gates — Skeleton Beach’s Gene Priest and Circadian Rhythm Section’s Derek Jones — are known for creating evocative, synth-driven fare that mines elements of electronic horror music from the 1970s and 1980s. On “Passenger Seat” they unfurl a delicate brush of that element, while staying true to Death Cab’s piano-driven original.
“Death Cab is a band we have both loved for many years,” Jones says. “Ben Gibbard’s lyrics and song crafting is second to none and has been a huge influence for us over the years. This song in particular is one that I’ve sang to my children every single night at bedtime, so it holds a special place in my heart.”
You can buy Cemetery Gate’s rescore of classic horror film Häxan now via Lakeshore Records. Learn more about their other work, released by their label, Grief Thief Records. Vehlinggo premiered Skeleton Beach’s “Blood Moon” from Ritual in June.
