Codes & Keys sees this Washington four-piece (and indie favourites) DCFC extend their sonic palette, moving closer to the electronic territories explored by main man Ben Gibbard’s side project, The Postal Service. It would seem married life has done much to brighten Gibbard’s mood – and given his wife is actor–musician Zooey Deschanel, that’s hardly surprising.

The sound is very much that of a studio album, with the band showing an eagerness to experiment with space and texture; in most cases disposing of their previously guitar-driven sound for a more keyboard-oriented feel. That said, it’s melodically strong and still sounds very much like a DCFC album. I may never forgive Gibbard for stealing the woman of my dreams … but with Codes & Keys, he has produced a fine record.