New Records From Death Cab and Phoenix + Is James Blake Hype-worthy?

Washington-based, indie rock Death Cab For Cutie, have announced via their website that they will be releasing their seventh effort, Codes and Keys on May 31. Frontman Ben Gibbard told Spin last year that their next album wouldn't be as guitar-based, while in a recent BBC interview, guitarist Chris Walla mentioned that they have been experimenting with synths and reverb. He also said that the first single will be called "You Are A Tourist." I'm looking forward to it. Sometimes there's nothing like a little Death Cab to get your day going. 
 

Phoenix, the alternative synth-pop quartet of Versailles, France, are also currently working on their next album. No word yet when the record will be released, however in an interview with Austailian website Pedestrian TV, frontman Thomas Mars explained that their followup to 2009's incredible Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, will be "experimental," "minimal" and "futuristic." He also mentioned that the band plans to hire a Byron Bay orchestra to record some drum samples. It seems as though they are becoming slightly bored and frustrated with their usual pop routine and hope to infuse some change into their sound. 
You can watch the interview here.

James Blake, the soulful dubstep producer from London, England, has recently released his self-titled debut to much critical acclaim. I feel almost lost and confused in all the hype of this album. While I can agree that some tracks are artistically beautiful, I feel like others drag on to a point where they lose their interesting edge. His bass-heavy, ambient sound is quite different in the realm of modern mainstream music, which of course is a good thing; it's nice to see different sounds being praised. However, I'm not sure I believe all the hype surrounding this particular record. Watch the video below of James Blake's "Limit To Your Love" and judge for yourself.