Narrow Stairs

So just in case you didn't know, the new Death Cab for Cutie album, Narrow Stairs, came out just a few hours ago. After giving it several careful spins, I'd like to share my thoughts. Just for a frame of reference, I quite frankly find Ben Gibbard to be one of the finest musicians of our generation. His solo work along with Death Cab, The Postal Service, and All-Time Quarterback are all in my top 10 list of favorite bands. So, I do beg your pardon if this review is a little biased.

Narrow Stairs starts off with a bang, immediately rolling in with Gibbard's smooth and silky voice telling a picturesque tale of lost love. Bixby Canyon Bridge indeed ends up being one of the best tracks on the disc. The second track, I Will Possess Your Heart, is an epic, 8 minute and 35 second track consisting of 4 full minutes of instrumentals before the lyrics begin. I must say that while in general, Gibbard's lyrics are what really make Death Cab, the tune is so catchy that it is hard not to enjoy the whole song. Other excellent tracks include You Can Do Better Than Me, The Ice Is Getting Thinner, Your New Twin Sized Bed, Long Division, and my personal favorite, Grapevine Fires. You Can Do Better Than Me is a lovely short, lasting only 1:59, while the lyrics of The Ice is Getting Thinner are reminiscent of Summer Skin from Plans. Long Division is some excellent Indie Rock/Pop and Your New Twin Sized Bed is equally upbeat, featuring a great guitar hook. Grapevine Fires is a perfect display of Gibbard's vocals and brilliant songwriting talents and features a deep and soothing bass line.

Overall, Narrow Stairs falls just short of We Have the Facts and We're Voting Yes, Death Cab's greatest album, and indeed one of the finest albums of the last two decades. With that said, Narrow Stairs is a fantastic album in its own right and ends up being well worth almost three years of waiting. Do pick up a copy for yourself and enjoy it.

Cheers.

Blu3