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Death Cab For Cutie: Narrow StairsMajor Record Deals Do Not Always Signal End of Band's Better Days
The jump to major label, Atlantic, was met with harsh criticism, but Death Cab forged ahead. Death Cab has managed to stay true to their sound and Narrow Stairs is a hit.
Death Cab For Cutie has always been a hugely successful band, even while on an independent label. Before the jump to Atlantic, they were selling millions of albums and essentially got to big for their britches. The label jump caused indie enthusiasts to throw a hissy fit, calling the band a sell-out and dooming them to the same fate that has befallen many label jumpers. But, MTV Cribs and a constant visits to the talk show circuit are not in store for Ben Gibbard and his faithful companions. Death Cab has maintained their integrity and originality and while some indie enthusiasts may still be protesting the label jump, most have forgotten this fact and fallen in love with Death Cab all over again. The hardcore indie fans that still smite the band for it's practical choices are missing out on two amazing albums (Plans, Narrow Stairs), Narrow StairsNarrow Stairs is vastly different from the bands previous release, Plans, but this should come as no surprise to Deathcab fanatics. Gibbards style is ever evolving and he has never been able to communicate through a single genre. Stairs has a darker feel to it in everything from the eerie guitar riffs ("No Sunlight") all the way to the creepy if not somewhat bitter lyrics ("I Will Possess Your Heart). There is no trace of cookie-cutter pop music in this albums catalog. It boasts evocative if not heart wrenching instrumentals and bouts of obscure lyricism that reeks of Gibbards own individuality. T The band's style and freedom has obviously not been compromised during the label jump. They are as quirky and expressive as ever and diehard Deathcab fanatics will be pleased with this release. Album Caters to DCFC Diehards and DCFC NewbiesWhile Stairs is obviously vastly different from Plans, there are still pop-laced tracks ("Cath...," "Your New Twin Sized Bed," "Long Division") that will have newer Death Cab fans bobbing their heads to Gibbards melodic vocals and the bands upbeat tempo. Melodic anthems like "Talking Bird" and "Grapevine Fires" will transition newbies into the darker sections of the album. Stairs has the power to transition newbies back to the band's earlier work and perhaps to broaden their musical horizons to include other indie greats. This album does not target a single audience, more a collective body of listeners. Anyone that has ever been hurt will fall in love with this album and that has nothing to do with what label they're on. Gibbard has the uncanny knack of being able to touch every heart broken heart out there, his music is as universal as it is meaningful. Other Indie Reviews By Jessica Gleason
The copyright of the article Death Cab For Cutie: Narrow Stairs in Indie Music is owned by Jessica Gleason. Permission to republish Death Cab For Cutie: Narrow Stairs in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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