Despite multi-instrumentalist/producer Chris Walla’s pronouncements to the contrary, Death Cab For Cutie’s Narrow Stairs album isn’t polarizing or that much of a curveball. It is, however, the band’s most rock-oriented record to date—much more so than its predecessor, Plans. Regardless, Death Cab still very much sounds like itself, just with a little more distortion and a few quicker tempos. The songs translate well to record, but expect something striking live, when tracks like “Bixby Canyon Bridge,” “No Sunlight,” and “Long Division” can pack more of a punch.
Updated 04/13/2009