After Plans ”“ an album many perceived as an indie band out of its depth on a major label, doing things by the book ”“ the follow up was always going to be a reaction to that. But the question for the old fans was, which way would they jump? The answer is, the way most would’ve hoped, even if the leap isn’t always particularly convincing or graceful.Ben Gibbard’s lyrics are right on the mark, as ever, but his storytelling style takes on an altogether darker edge. Narrow Stairs is rich in deep, emotional honesty and is all the better for it, reminiscent of The Shins or The Mountain Goats at their best. But it’s the music that has seen the real transformation.From the moment opening track 'Bixby Canyon Bridge' goes from twinkling ballad to rock monster about two minutes in, it becomes clear the Death Cab boys aren’t content with resting on their quite considerable laurels: it’s the sound of bored, quality musicians let loose from their bonds, and sends a clear statement for what’s to follow. Although, as the song returns to its earlier quiet for the closing 30 seconds or so, it’s as if they’re reassuring you it’s not total abandonment.I expect you’ve already made your mind up about opening single 'I Will Possess Your Heart', eight-and-half minutes of rolling bass and drums reminiscent of baggy era indie with lyrics that scream ‘restraining order’. It’s infectious, glorious and, like Stone Roses classic Fools Gold, could’ve gone on for 28 minutes as far as I’m concerned.There really are some great songs here. 'Cath' is a wonderfully realised slice of morose observation that every 30-something will recognise in at least one of their friends, while 'Grapevine Fires' and 'Your New Twin Sized Bed', while initially sounding a little throwaway, are incredibly strong, balanced and imaginative slices of pop.But breaking these up are some truly dull moments. 'Talking Bird' couldn’t be much more forgettable, 'No Sunlight' is an exercise in lazy pop songwriting and 'You Can Do Better Than Me' is a plodding, 60s beat pop experiment that doesn’t seem to fit here at all. Narrow Stairs closes strongly, the punchy 'Long Division' (a bit Fountains of Wayne) is followed by the eastern influenced 'Pity and Fear', which builds into an anarchic crescendo cut dead in its prime to make way for closing ballad 'The Ice is Getting Thinner'. The closer seems to act as a summation of all the thoughts that came before, and works beautifully.But a fantastic beginning and end are ultimately let down by the classic soggy middle; the songs seemed to have been thrown in with little thought, which is galling as the album starts and closes so strongly. That said, Narrow Stairs is unpredictable, experimental and transitional, and it would’ve been a miracle if everything had stuck. Whatever its failings, this is a bold and dramatic introduction to what might follow, and that prospect is exciting indeed. 77% [Download Death Cab For Cutie - Narrow Stairs]Links Death Cab For Cutie [myspace] [official site]