Thursday, June 11, 2009
Most Death Cab fans will tell you that 2008’s Narrow Stairs was a welcomed return to the band’s indie roots, especially after 2005’s slick and shiny Plans. And we are happy to report that this five-song EP is yet another step along that throwback path—full of Ben Gibbard’s airy vocals and the band’s quirky instrumentation. A standout on this five-track sampler has to be “A Diamond and a Tether,” confirmation that, despite Gibbard’s well-reported engagement to the doe-eyed Zooey Deschanel, this frontman can still break our hearts with a heartfelt apology for being such a commitment-phobe. The authoritative drumbeats on “I Was Once a Loyal Lover” makes listeners snap to attention and listen intently to what this Seattle foursome does best—deliver breakup pop in the form of music you can bob your head to.