Narrow Stairs Death Cab for Cutie (CD)
On first listen, Death Cab for Cutie sounds like any other indie band. But give it time, the combination of gloomy bitterness and pounding beats will capture your heart.
A mix of bouncy and catchy jingles, epic and powerful pieces, and mournful laments, Narrow Stairs is a brilliant sophomore effort for the Washington band.
Most of the album is the work of vocalist, guitarist and songwriter Benjamin Gibbard, whose beautiful lyrics are comparable to poems. Opening track Bixby Canyon Bridge starts with simple instrumentation that brings out Gibbard's clear vocals and poetic lyrics before erupting in heavy drums and brass.
I Will Possess Your Heart is a super hit. Its half-minute-long prelude is an amazing flurry of whirling bass lines fused with guitars and piano.
No Sunlight is unexpectedly catchy, while Cath ... is a masterpiece that features a sudden twist of mood in the middle. The handful of softer numbers, such as Talking Bird and Pity and Fear, are haunting tracks that tug at the heartstrings.
In short, Narrow Stairs is a diversely creative album that grows better with every listen.
