The skinny on the newest albums On first listen, this may sound like any other funky indie band. But give it time, the combination of gloomy bitterness and pounding beats will capture your heart. A mix of bouncy, catchy jingles, epic, powerful pieces, and mournful laments, Narrow Stairs is a brilliant sophomore effort for Washington band Death Cab For Cutie. Most of the album can be attributed to Benjamin Gibbard, who is the band's vocalist, guitarist and songwriter. He sings in a way that blends well into various contexts, and he writes beautiful lyrics that are comparable to poems. Opening track Bixby Canyon Bridge starts with simple instrumentation that brings out Gibbard's clear vocals and poetic lyrics before erupting in heavy drums and brass. I Will Possess Your Heart is a superhit. Its half-minute-long prelude is an amazing flurry of whirling bass lines fused with guitars and piano. No Sunlight is insanely and unexpectedly catchy. Cath... is a masterpiece featuring a sudden twist of mood in the middle. The handful of softer numbers, such as Talking Bird, and Pity and Fear, are haunting pieces that tug your heartstrings. Narrow Stairs is a diverse and creative album which, despite the depressing tone, will become one record you love more every time you hear it.