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In a word - brrrrrr. And that wasn't just the temperature in the venue. After standing around in the cold getting frozen solid, we finally saw Death Cab take to the stage - their Belfast debut. And how does some genius decide to welcome them to our city? Throwing what seemed to be socks and a bottle onto the stage - managing the second time to hit lead singer Ben Gibbard in the head. Good work, big lad, good work. Gibbard didn't take too kindly to this, not entirely unsurprisingly, and rebuked the crowd in that quiet but firm tone your mum used to use when she wasn't "angry at you, just very disappointed". Which did put a bit of a damper on an atmosphere already a teensy bit lacking in such a big, cold space (did I mention it was cold?).

It's hard to say if things would have been warmer and more intimate had Gibbard not been put off his game at the start. There was little banter or chat with the audience, and even when giving their final bow, Gibbard didn't look like he'd really been enjoying himself - although it should be noted that the rest of the band did look a little more appreciative of the audience, Chris Walla apologising for taking ten years to get here.

But, onto the music. And here, they didn't disappoint at all. Despite a couple of gear problems (though these were more noticeable because of Gibbard's gesturing to the roadie than to the ear) at the start, they were incredibly tight and pitch perfect from start to finish.
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The atmospheric and expansive opener, 'Bixby Canyon Bridge', from their latest album was an impressive opening number. Ditto 'I Will Possess Your Heart' and (fantastic) closing number 'Transatlanticism' - pace and tension crescendoed, enigma intensified, delicacy thundered. 'I Will Follow You Into The Dark' provided a touching little singalong, while somewhat poppier numbers, such as 'Soul Meets Body', 'The Sound of Settling', 'Title and Registration' and 'Crooked Teeth' satisfied the cheering fans, giving them exactly what they came for.

It took ten years to get them here, let's hope it's not another ten years before they're back, and we can all give each other another chance.

Orla Graham