In the worst music news you’re likely to read all day, Chris Walla has decided to leave Death Cab for Cutie. The longtime guitarist posted a brief letter on The Stranger citing a “long[ing] for the unknown,” as his reason for departing while also thanking the band for their many years together. Walla has given no indication of his future plans beyond continuing to make music.

Walla will remain with the band through their performance at Rifflandia Festival in Victoria, BC on September 13, and his work can be heard on their upcoming eighth album due out early 2015.

Listen to “Lack of Color” below and cry it out with us:

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