Death Cab For Cutie's Narrow Stairs

Death Cab For Cutie started their career with a few pleasant but unmemorable albums. Don't get me wrong: The Photo Album is a nice album to listen to, but it doesn't sound like the work of a band that is going to become legendary or even last a few years. Fortunately, in 2003, they put all of their good ideas in to one album and made one of the most memorable, brilliant indie rock records of the past 10 years - Transatlanticism made them a band that matters by making dark, epic ballads that sound like a new-century update of The Cure's Disintegration. They tried that formula again on their next record, Plans: a record that managed to kill everybody's excitement over them. It had some good ideas, but was a drain to listen to.

Three years later, they have a new album that largely goes back to the old formula of making pleasant but unmemorable rock albums. Narrow Stairs does have a few great moments, though. "I Will Possess Your Heart", despite its terrible title, is fun in a hypnotic way: they managed to beat Interpol at their own game and stay interesting for over eight minutes, where as most great Death Cab single go about three. "Cath" is one of the most solid rockers they've ever come out with. "You Can Do Better Than Me" reimagines Brian Wilson, but unfortunately they abandon it after two minutes. Also unfortunately, these are the only moments you will really remember after a few listens.

If you've never listened to Death Cab For Cutie, go straight for their masterpiece Transatlanticism and I guarantee you'll want to replay every track. After that, this album is about on par with the Photo Album as their second best, but lets hope they pile up a few more ideas before recording again.