Death Cab for Cutie - Ovation Hall, Revel Casino: Atlantic City, NJ 5.25.2014

Titus Andronicus' lead singer summed it up best when he wondered what the hell they were doing in such a cavernous venue like Ovation Hall. I've seen it called 'intimate,' which I can probably see from a pop perspective. If you have Beyonce performing there, it's going to be way more intimate than seeing her in Madison Square Garden. I really enjoy Death Cab, but in indie music venues that match them acoustically. Having to blast the drummer's mic to project it to the upper echelon of seats at the Revel took away a bit from their musicality. According to Revel security, this is a common complaint amongst rock shows at the venue (not so much pop concerts), specifically referencing their Stone Temple Pilots' show.

Venue aside, really thought Death Cab had a great set. Didn't expect them to open with 'Possess,' but the driving bass line and intro build got the crowd pumped. The lighting effects were incredible as well for this. During 'Crooked Teeth,' some drunken 'bros' were dancing with full beers and spilling them all over us... all for dancing at a concert, just do it responsibly :). Revel security was quick to clean up all messes, which I thought was a miracle.

Bottom line: Death Cab is awesome, but I hope they consider House of Blues or even Borgata Event Center next time they're in town. Rating 3 of 5.

Favorite moment: Gibbard: 'this song's for the lovers' goes into 'I Will Follow You Into The Dark' with the crowd singing along.

(photo credit: Jeff Brown... used his cause mine came out all blurry and terrible)