I've been a big Death Cab fan ever since Transatlanticism, but thats not to say I don't like any of their earlier stuff. Narrow Stairs is the most recent addition to a wonderful repertoire of different sounds and compositions. Although not quite as musically open as Plans, this album has all of the elements of a great indie album. And for the first time I think I hear a Beatles influence on the music, which definitely gives it a cheery atmosphere to contrast Gibbards soulful yet depressing lyrics. Though not a concept album in the least, the songs all fit well together, and there isn't an obvious difference in the effort to make the singles versus the other songs, a malady which tends to plague albums released on major labels. The style is coherent and it doesn't depart much from other Death Cab works, yet it is different in its own right. It is more polished and refined than any album before it, which works to give it a sunny disposition. Unlike the dreamy yet dark Plans, the instruments on this album are bright and cheery, as is Gibbards ranting, despite the fact that the lyrics remain some of the best emotional poetry, centering as always on loss of love. These are the tracks...
1 - Bixby Canyon Bridge - Synths in the background give this track a dreamy atmosphere, complementing the reverie that the lyrics describe perfectly. A soft, sparse track which slowly rises to crescendo packed to the brim with emotion, this is definitely a track to look out for... (8.7/10)
2 - I Will Posses Your Heart - With a good four minutes of rhythmic buildup, this track launches into sweet love note with dark undertones. The drum riff keeps the track going while piano twists and turns around the verses. The single for good reason, this is as good as any death cab song, but to be honest it is nothing special or better. The lyrics are not as beautiful as Gibbard has shown he can write, and the song feels unfulfilled in the end... (8.3/10)
3 - No Sunlight - A perfect indie anthem, this track has a driving rhythm courtesy of Harmer and McGerr, while Walla's guitar finally has a chance to show its face... (8.6/10)
4 - Cath... - A deep and emotional song, Cath... opens up with a nice riff that continues throughout the song. Gibbard's voice and lyrics are some of the most beautiful on the album. "She holds a smile/Like someone would hold a crying child". This is definitely a Death Cab great. Walla dominates tis song with licks diving through and in between Gibbard's pauses. The chorus breaks through the rest of the song, both powerful and memorable. If you are going to track pick on this album, this song is a must...(9.3/10)
5 - Talking Bird - A slow song that is full of symbolism and allegory, while keeping a calming beat and sweet chords to match. This is one of the best sung songs on the album, and the vocals dip and dive in perfect time. This is probably my favorite song on the album, as it is one of the more emotional ballads on the album... (9.4/10)
6 - You Can Do Better Than Me - A nice Death Cab song, albiet a bit short, clocking in at about 2 minutes. This is nothing remarkable, if you're comparing it to the rest of Death Cab's work. But nonetheless this is a small talisman displaying Gibbard's remarkable skill to craft a lyrical story in so few words but such epic poetry... (8.8/10)
7 - Grapevine Fires - A soft song with nice guitar and the patta-patta of drums which contrast the dreamy atmosphere. The lyrics paint a vivid picture and the music only complements this... (8.9/10)
8 - Your New Twin Sized Bed - A faster tempo allows this song a happier feel than Grapevine Fires, but the lyrics are even more depressing. This song is more aligned with I Will Possess Your Heart in terms of both lyrics and music, but has the missing piece which makes this a respectably addition to Death Cab's Resume... (8.6/10)
9 - Long Division - Another indie anthem with a memorable guitar riff coupled with distant vocals. Definitely one of the more edgy songs, harking back to The Photo Album and specifically A Movie Script Ending. It doesn't go overboard, so if you are a fan of the softer side of Death Cab you need not worry...(8.7/10)
10 - Pity and Fear - A nice island beat begins the song with defined guitar setting the tone. Gibbard then picks up with the guitar to lift this song up. This is one of the more musically open songs on the album, and it captures a wide range of spectrums while remaining audible... (8.5/10)
11 - The Ice is Getting Thinner - Walla really gives this track meaning. The intro is beautiful, both the guitar and the vocals. A slower song with scary lyrics and moving guitars. It is a great end to the album and feels like an end of an era. This is no doubt the saddest song on the album...(9/10)
With Death Cab's latest installment, I fell that they lived up to their potential as a band, and the only way the could go from here is up. This is an album I have already listened to countless times, and I suggest you should to. Go out and buy this album in a real store. Death Cab for Cutie is a great band and you should support them...
Songs - (8.8/10)
Coherence - (8.6/10)
Variety - (8.9/10)
Overall - (8.8/10) Great+
1 comment:
Ello,
Well, once again you have blown me away with your writing prowess and complete musical knowledge. You hvae actually convinced me to attempt to understand what you are talking about. I am an official fan, not that the fandom is anything new on my part. Still, I am thinking of spreading word of your reviews. I am going to a HUGE high school. Still, this is beside the point. What I was really stopping by to do was make a request. When you have the chance could you, maybe, do a review on one of my favorite bands. The Killers. You could do any album if you chose to and I don't mind if you do not share my taste in music. I just really want to read your opinion! If you do, thanks! Congratulations on another awesome review and keep writing!
- Your creepy and stalkerish number one fan! *smiles*
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