The last time Death Cab For Cutie were in Toronto, as part of a double-bill with Franz Ferdinand at Ricoh Coliseum, their stage design was a campy, Nightmare Before Christmas-y set of white mushroomy houses in a wash of purple light and shadows.

If they did that in April, can you imagine what they'll do for Halloween? They play Monday and Tuesday at Massey Hall.

"We're massively looking forward to coming to Toronto for Halloween," bassist Nick Harmer says. "We have some secret surprises. I don't want to tip the hat too far, but it's Halloween and sometimes people wear costumes on Halloween."

OK, so expect the boys to be in costume, but Harmer warns not to expect as an elaborate of a set design this time around.

"The last time we were on tour with Franz Ferdinand, who had a proper set," Harmer says. "We were keeping up with the Joneses."

The indie-pop quartet are touring in support of their infectious fifth album, 2005's Plans.

On a side note, we asked Harmer if he knew anything about what's happening with singer Ben Gibbard's infamous side project, Postal Service.

"Postal Service is still around, but we've been so busy with Death Cab," Harmer says. "I think Ben and Jimmy (Tamborello) will start making music again when we're done touring."

Harmer says each member of Death Cab is involved in outside projects -- something they collectively encourage.