rying to regain momentum with Atlantic Records while even producing a new sound, Death Cab For Cutie releases their newest album, Narrow Stairs.

While most die-hard fans weren’t happy with the alteration of sounds produced in the band’s latest album, Plans, most should be happily surprised with Narrow Stairs.

Sure, the synthesizer use may be a little different, but ultimately DCFC has returned to the indie-rock status we all know and love when they were with the record label, Barsuk. That record label today holds a few very successful singers such as Nada Surf, Mates Of State, and Rilo Kiley.

Who is this deep and somber band? Created in 1997 in Whatcomb County, Washington, Death Cab For Cutie did not get mainstream attention until they released Photo Album released in 2001. From there forward, the band made progressive steps towards gaining a larger audience. Besides, there’s only 65,000 people in Whatcomb County to play for.

In 2004, however, Death Cab For Cutie signed a record deal with Atlantic Records, a mainstream record company, therefore threatening their indie-rock sound. Many fans argue that this is evident in the recent release of the album Plans in 2005 with Atlantic.

Atlantic Records is an American based company under the ownership of Warner Brothers Productions. It is a very well known label for its jazz, rythem and blue, and rock and roll artists. Some well known artists are Matchbox 20, Sean Paul, and Jason Mraz.

As of right now, the band consists of four members: Ben Gibbard (guitars, vocals, and keys), Nick Harmer (bass), Jason McGerr (drums), and Chris Walla (guitars and keys).

Failed relationships and romantic toils are just a few of the melancholy subjects Gibbard paints for his audience.

Narrow Stairs’ single is the song "I Will Possess Your Heart". With a grueling four minute introduction, the song is actually quite good if you have enough time to sit through it.

Other songs to look at on the album are "You Can Do Better Than Me" and "The Ice Is Getting Thinner".

While we all enjoy a band who can make us forget about the wrongdoings and terrible things in this world, sometimes one needs only to be shown the truth about everything which Deatch Cab For Cutie does all to well.

Of course not all is sad in Narrow Stairs. For starters, one is technically listening to a "live version" which is quite evident with Gibbard’s voice as listeners familiar with the voice can tell a difference.

Although always clear cut, Gibbard slices through the sounds of guitar and synthesizer with a lulling noise soft enough to put even world hunger to rest.

Even if the lyrics do tell of relationships that are becoming ‘narrower’ and narrower, the music keeps a poppy upbeat feel, which is a healty contrast.

Additionally, the synthesizer adds a component hardly heard in the previous albums. Electronic? No. Indie? Perhaps, but the synthesizer adds a sound different to any genre in the music industry. If used correctly, it can blend all of the albums instrument into one passionate and sound mix of an album.

So if a happy band is something that one is shopping for, there is none to be found in the newest release by DCFC.

Sure, in some areas in the album there is evidence of a tired lyricist at an attempt for originality. In the song "The Ice Is Getting Thinner", the metaphors for love and despair flow a little too easily.

Although there are minors flaws, Narrow Stairs attempt at story telling is a very well written piece of work making an effort to bring forth the truth of the world, whether that be sad or happy.

Yes, the album is one of many great indie compilations out in the industry, but if one wants to realize what life holds true for all, love, passion, truth, and illusion, Narrow Stairs is the right choice.