All Points East with Death Cab for Cutie, The Postal Service, and more

Seattle's Death Cab for Cutie, led by Ben Gibbard, mixes sensitive songwriting and memorable melodies. Known for hits like "Soul Meets Body" and "I Will Possess Your Heart," they gained fame with albums like "Plans" and "Narrow Stairs," achieving Grammy nominations and Billboard success. Initially a solo project, Gibbard formed the band with Chris Walla, Nick Harmer, and others. Their polished indie sound, spanning over two decades, features collaborations with talents like Yo La Tengo, David Byrne, and a major-label deal with Atlantic Records.

Born from the vibrant indie rock scene, Yo La Tengo, led by Ira Kaplan and Georgia Hubley, became iconic for their melodic noise-pop fusion. Influenced by acts like Velvet Underground and Sun Ra, they formed in 1984. Known for albums like "I Can Hear the Heart Beating as One" and "Painful," they've experimented across genres, featuring a mix of covers and originals. Collaborations span De La Soul to David Byrne. Their self-produced projects, including "This Stupid World," showcase their artistic independence, while critical acclaim has cemented their legacy in the alternative music scene.

Montana-born Colin Meloy leads the Decemberists, known for theatrical indie pop with literate lyrics. Influenced by '60s British folk and '80s college rock, they've released acclaimed albums like "The Crane Wife" and "The King Is Dead," which topped the Billboard 200. Collaborations include Olivia Chaney and guest spots from Peter Buck. The band's popular works include the rock opera "The Hazards of Love" and synth-pop "I'll Be Your Girl," blending fantasy with musical diversity.

Formed in Olympia, WA, Sleater-Kinney rose to fame with their 1997 album "Dig Me Out," listed among Rolling Stone's top 500 albums. Known for a successful comeback with "No Cities To Love," collaborations with St. Vincent and Wilco, and a tour hitting iconic venues.

Scottish band Teenage Fanclub, formed in 1989 in Glasgow, earned acclaim with their '60s/'70s-style power pop. Known for hits like "Star Sign," they broke through with 1991's Bandwagonesque. Noted for their sparkling guitar sounds, the group collaborated with Tortoise's John McEntire and toured with Nirvana. Albums like Grand Prix and Songs from Northern Britain solidified their cult status. They were praised by Kurt Cobain and topped Spin's Best-Of list, surpassing Nirvana. Key members included Norman Blake and Raymond McGinley, with Gerard Love departing in 2018.