A Different Path Up Some Narrow Stairs

Death Cab For Cutie - Narrow Stairs (2008)

After a lukewarm response to Plans (2006) - even though it gained popular success - Ben Gibbard decided to realign Death Cab for Cutie back towards the lo-fi sound of yesteryear with the release of Narrow Stairs.

Over production is kept to a minimum - and you're far less likely to hear this record being played in Starbucks. While Plans felt like a few gems (Crooked Teeth, I Will Follow You Into The Dark) amongst a sea of filler, this album is far less skippable. It has teeth.

After about 3 minutes of the opening track - Bixby Canyon Bridge - it's clear that Death Cab have surrendered the mainstream shackles. And yep, even distorted guitars! Very un-Plans. The follow up is the epic first single from the album, I Will Possess Your Heart. It's as menacing as it sounds with a funky bassline that guides you through the 5 minute intro. Perhaps slightly repetitive (you may prefer the Radio Edit), but superb nonetheless.

No Sunlight is reminiscent of The Sound Of Settling, with its upbeat tempo and jumpy vocals. Cath, however, is my favourite track on the album. Exceptional drumming and lyrically brilliant, it's a track that you find yourself listening to over and over.

The drifty Grapevine Fires is relaxing as it is upsetting (if your life has been affected by forest fires, that is) although Long Division proves Death Cab's scope. Who else could write a song about mathematics and still get the entire crowd singing along? Hmm. I'm struggling. They don't need no education.

The album peters out slightly, but it's still a great record. Don't miss it.

Rating: 8/10
MP3: Cath... From Narrow Stairs

"Sorry, I Thought I Was Going To Puke..."

Brendan Campbell - The Twilight Bird EP (2008)

In the intimate surroundings of the Old Queen’s Head pub in London, UK, Brendan Campbell announced to the crowd with his soft Glaswegian tones that he wasn’t feeling too great. Seconds earlier, he’d stopped singing a few seconds into his fourth song of the evening, “Venice”.

Watching a musician concentrate on stage is far from a new phenomenon. However, seeing someone focused on forcing back the contents of their stomach back down their throat can be classed as pretty damn rock ‘n’ roll.

Stomach ulcers aside, Brendan battled on through the pain barrier and still achieved the stunning vocal harmonies that he is becoming much feted for. His lyrical talent leads to inevitable yet enviable comparisons with the likes of Bob Dylan and Elliott Smith.

The lyrics of his dreamy first single, Burgers and Murders, highlight not just his ability but also his sense of humour - ‘Speak to the pigeons/maybe they speak Turkish too’. His guitar strumming also mirrors his vocal ability - it’s of exceptional quality with an impressive pace.

Fittingly, Campbell closes his set with “Mr. Robinson” – the final song on his recent debut release, the Twilight Bird EP, which is available now from digital retailers. It’s a beautiful record that uses the lack of post-production as an asset rather than a flaw.

Many singer/songwriters before him have attempted to create a marriage of convincing lyrics and catchy harmonies, yet Campbell appears to be well on his way to mastering the art - he just might need some painkillers.

MP3: Burgers and Murders from Twilight Bird EP

Also published at the Daily Rind Blog