Altsounds - Death Cab For Cutie

I remember the first time i discovered death cab for cutie. It was April 2004 and i was in a mall in Florida. I had some time to kill and some dollars to spend so i hit the music store. I had heard the name before and it was always associated with good things and there peering at me was the cover of "Transatlanticism". I picked it up and i have not looked back since.

Always the masters of teasing a crescendo from the instruments "Narrow Stairs" is no different but at the same time, it is. Its still the same band that we know and love but this time they are a bit more adventurous. Testament to this is the first single from the album "I will posses your heart" clocking in at a brilliant 8 minutes 35 with no sign of lyrics until 4:35. With 3 years between this and the last album you have to admire the brave choice of that track as a single. Its an astounding piece that easily sets the tone for the rest of the album. With Ben Gibbards unmistakable vocals drifting over the soundscape the band have created you just seem to be swallowed up by this intimate recording. As always the lyrics and almost poetic in their storytelling innocence and you can almost picture yourself in that situation as if you had been there when it happened.

From the traditional DCFC sound on "Talking Bird" to the more circus inspired "You can do better than me" just shows how diverse this band can become. With the rhythmic, almost hypnotic feel to "pity and fear" you feel that there is more hidden up the bands sleeves that they just haven't shown us yet. And in true Death Cab style, as the final track slowly drifts away you feel like you could just sit and listen to the whole thing again without even questioning why you have done nothing for 88 minutes. This band always give me something extra with each album and "Narrow Stairs" is no different. By far, some the best songs to date. If you don't yet own an album by Death Cab For Cutie make this one the first purchase. Then again, while you are there you might aswell pick up all the others to. You will not be disappointed.

Review by Gavin