Death Cab For Cutie - Narrow Stairs (Warner Music Canada)

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Instead of opting to go the easy route and recreate their successful Plans record, Death Cab For Cutie offers a challenge of sorts on their seventh full-length record. The subtle optimism that was to be found on Plans has been replaced by considerably darker undertones here, a feature which is only compounded by vocalist Ben Gibbard's lyrics, which I consider to be among the best in the biz these days. The lyrics on lead single I Will Possess Your Heart are downright creepy and menacing, and offer a glimpse of the sombre headspace which many of Gibbard's songs inhabit here. Darker doesn't mean any lesser quality of songs though with other highlights including haunting album closer The Ice Is Getting Thinner, Cath..., Bixby Canyon Bridge and the compassionate Your New Twin Sized Bed.

A dark but compelling record for an outstanding band, bound to make many Best Of 2008 lists come December...