Photos by Rebecca Clark | Review by Rebecca Clark and Renee Clark Quade

After a day filled with severe thunderstorms and tornado warnings across parts of the Finger Lakes, it wasn’t entirely certain that Death Cab for Cutie and Japanese Breakfast would take the stage at CMAC on July 18th. Thankfully, the skies cleared just in time, allowing fans to settle in for an evening that proved well worth the wait.

Japanese Breakfast opened the night with “Paprika,” immediately grabbing the crowd’s attention as frontwoman Michelle Zauner incorporated a gong into the performance. It set the tone for a set that was both creative and musically fascinating.

Early in the performance, Zauner shared that Death Cab for Cutie was the very first band she ever saw live, making this tour feel like a full-circle moment for her. It was a touching moment that made her excitement about sharing the stage with them even more genuine.

One thing that stood out throughout the set was just how energetic Zauner was. She was very pregnant and absolutely glowing; she bounced around the stage with incredible energy while wearing a cute dress, boots, and her hair styled in two side buns. It was genuinely impressive to watch. She never seemed to slow down and performed with the same enthusiasm from the opening song to the end.

Musically, Japanese Breakfast offered an interesting blend of sounds. Songs like “Be Sweet” leaned into shimmering ’80s-inspired synth-pop, while heavier guitar-driven moments gave the band an almost grunge-like edge without sacrificing melody. Zauner’s guitar playing was particularly fun to watch. She frequently slid across the strings to create unique textures, giving her playing style a personality all its own.

At times, Zauner’s vocals even reminded me a little of Gwen Stefani. They don’t sound identical, but certain inflections and the playful way she delivers some lines brought Stefani to mind.

“Honey Water” featured an excellent guitar solo from Zauner, while the band’s closing song included a cool saxophone solo that capped off an already strong performance. There’s a confidence to Japanese Breakfast’s live show, and every member of the band felt locked in from start to finish. Overall, they sounded fantastic live and made plenty of new fans before the headliners even stepped on stage.

Death Cab for Cutie opened with “Riptides,” a new song from their latest album I Built You a Tower, which also serves as the name of their current tour. Before long, vocalist Ben Gibbard thanked everyone for braving the unpredictable weather and said how much he always enjoys returning to the Finger Lakes.

The band’s current lineup features Ben Gibbard on vocals, guitar, and piano, alongside Nick Harmer on bass, Dave Depper on guitar, keyboards, and backing vocals, Zac Rae on keyboards and guitar, and Jason McGerr on drums.

One thing that became obvious throughout the night was that Death Cab for Cutie’s live show doesn’t rely on elaborate stage production. There weren’t towering props or flashy visual effects competing for attention. Instead, the focus stayed exactly where it belonged: on the songs. Their music has always carried a sense of nostalgia, and hearing those familiar melodies mixed with newer material created an experience that felt immersive. Rather than watching a spectacle, it felt like the audience was simply invited to live inside the music for a couple of hours.

Gibbard paused before introducing the title track, “I Built You a Tower,” jokingly apologizing for taking ten years to return to CMAC. He also laughed about feeling slightly out of place because the band members were spread farther apart across the stage than they normally are. Even so, he frequently crossed the stage to jam alongside his bandmates during guitar solos, giving each member their moment throughout the evening.

For “Codes and Keys,” Gibbard moved behind the keyboard, adding another layer to the band’s dynamic set. Later, he asked the audience how many people were seeing Death Cab for Cutie for the first time. A surprisingly loud cheer filled the venue, prompting him to jokingly respond that it was “a lot of pressure.”

One of the evening’s most memorable moments came during “Black Sun,” when the band pulled things back and Gibbard let the audience carry the vocals during the song’s quiet ending. That feeling returned later during an acoustic performance of “I Will Follow You into the Dark.” After singing part of the song himself, Gibbard stepped back and let the crowd take over an entire verse. Hearing thousands of voices singing together created one of those moments that makes a live show so special.

The audience’s excitement only continued as the opening notes of “Crooked Teeth” rang out, with cheers erupting throughout the amphitheater. During “Trap Door,” moody lighting filled the stage while Gibbard frequently made his way to the edge of the stage, tambourine in hand, creating an intimate atmosphere despite the venue’s size.

Before playing “We Laugh Indoors,” Gibbard dedicated the song to Japanese Breakfast, a thoughtful nod to the night’s opening act.

To close the evening, Death Cab for Cutie turned to one of their most beloved songs, “Transatlanticism.” Clocking in at nearly eight minutes, the song slowly builds layer upon layer before reaching its emotional peak. Live, that gradual progression feels even more powerful. Rather than rushing toward the finish, the band let every moment breathe, and the audience happily followed them through every second. It was the perfect ending to a night where the music itself remained the star.

Death Cab For Cutie Photo Gallery

Japanese Breakfast Photo Gallery