Out today: Death Cab For Cutie - Narrow Stairs

Death Cab For Cutie decided to flirt with an edgier sound on their new album Narrow Stairs.

From the opening moments of "Bixby Canyon Bridge," it seems that this is going to be a typical yet sonically beautiful, mellow Death Cab album. But at about 1:40, everything changes. The drums kick in and the guitars get fuzzy and the band rocks harder than they ever have.

The dark edgy sound continues into the 8+ minute opus "I Will Possess Your Heart." The bass and drums driven song isn't as heavy as "Bixby," but it's a charged up tune.

Then, they shift gears. "No Sunlight" is the most pop Death Cab have ever been. The bass line and drum beat are reminiscent of 60s pop and the melody is catchy as hell.

The guitars take center stage on "Cath...," while "Talking Bird is more like the big open sound the band favored on Plans.

"You Can Do Better Than Me" flirts with the 60s sounds of the Beach Boys. The song clocks in at under 2 minutes and features an old school, Farfisa-type organ sound and steady snare/tambourine beat.

"Grapevine Fires" is a groovy, electric piano based song. It's a mellow song that grooves along to a steady, laid back beat. "Your New Twin Sized Bed" has a similar vibe as "Grapevine," but is a guitar based song with beautiful transitions. The flowing melody carries the song.

"Long Division" is a thumper. The bass a drums push the song from beginning to end. On "Pity and Fear," Death Cab explore some Hindi sounds. The song resembles how George Harrison would have written a Death Cab song. It features ethnic percussion and a melody that lends itself to the same style.

"The Ice Is Getting Thinner" closes the record in more typical Death Cab style. It's a somber song with no bass or drums, just guitars and vocals. It's a bit of a downer as a closer, but is a great song.

While Narrow Stairs finds Death Cab For Cutie expanding their sound into uncharted territory, they make it work. It still sounds like Death Cab and as an album, the songs are cohesive. This record is another great album from Death Cab For Cutie.