The Postal Service - Everything Will Change

The Postal Service - Everything Will Change is a sublime capture of art and music coming together, punctuated by the anthems of one particular indie electronic band. The concert documentary features The Postal Service, a music outfit comprised of the talented Ben Gibbard (of Death Cab for Cutie fame) and producer Jimmy Tamborello (from the band Dntel). The film takes its title from a line in their popular song "The District Sleeps Alone Tonight," and in a broader sense, echoes the contents of the film, a reminder that change is integral to life, just as it is in music.

The film revolves around the band's 2013 reunion tour marking the 10th anniversary of their groundbreaking and one-and-only album, "Give Up." Directed by Justin Mitchell, the concert film is like a two-fold present to fans of The Postal Service, delivering both exposes of the band's signature synth-rich, emotionally consuming music, as well as revealing intimate backstages scenes.

The film begins with a behind-the-scenes look into the triad's rehearsal, where the band prepares its complex multi-instrumental music for the stage. We see them synchronizing numerous elements of their tracks - layers of electronic beats, synthesizers, a plenitude of acoustic instruments, and, of course, Gibbard's evocative vocals. The documentary does an excellent job in capturing the meticulousness of this process. Here, we understand that the music of The Postal Service —often minimalist in sound— is no easy feat to bring live, signifying the dedication and passion of the artists involved.

Everything Will Change gives its audience an insight into their creative process, their individual personalities, and what it felt like to reconvene after years apart. Through a collection of interviews interspersed throughout the film, we learn about the unique dynamic of the band. Gibbard and Tamborello, along with occasional third-member Jenny Lewis (from Rilo Kiley), come across as genuinely warm and humble folks, still seemingly shocked at their unexpected cult-like following.

Amidst the backstage sequences and all-access behind-the-scenes footage, the concert itself is the ultimate centerpiece of Everything Will Change. Filmed at the Greek Theatre in Berkeley, California, the concert provides a truly immersive experience. As the band comes to life on stage, audiences are treated to renditions of fan favorites, distilled in their purest form – all energy, emotion, and sonic ambivalence. On stage, the seamless amalgamation of the synthetic and the organic creates a powerfully resonant atmosphere, transporting viewers right into the heart of the concert.

Through Mitchell's lens, audiences get a front-row seat to Gibbard’s heartfelt outpouring, Tamborello’s mastery of soundscapes, and Lewis’s vivacious stage presence. From the heartfelt rendition of "Such Great Heights" to the emotionally charged performance of "We Will Become Silhouettes," their music's nostalgic quality fills the air and carries the film.

Thematically, the movie showcases the union of music and emotion, and the notion of transitory experiences underpin the film. It explores the concept of a time-encapsulating project that, while highly significant, is not meant to last. The documentary subtly draws attention to the bitter-sweet phenomenon that the essence of The Postal Service is rooted in its transience. This once-in-a-decade gathering of artists resonates with a sense of beauty and poignancy, which makes the viewing experience even more memorable.

In an overlaid narrative, Everything Will Change also indirectly chronicles the band's musical influence, how they helped define a generation's soundscape, and how they remained relevant even after a decade of silence. By interspersing concert footage with fan testimonials, the film highlights the band's profound effect on its audience.

Overall, Everything Will Change is a love letter to The Postal Service fans, offering a close-up look at the band's dynamics and inspirations, packed with electrifying concert scenes. With its excellent blend of candid interviews, rehearsal footage, concert sequences, and fan interactions, the film is a poignant and immersive unfolding of The Postal Service's enduring magic. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a newcomer to their music, the film is a sweet, nostalgic, and inspiring journey that will surely leave you longing for more of their melodious artistry.