Do we really need another Death Cab for Cutie album? I ask this as a fan. The band’s guitarist and producer, Chris Walla, kicked off 2008 with a fantastic solo album, and front man Ben Gibbard is equally effective on his own or in The Postal Service. Aside from keeping the other two guys gainfully employed, one has to question the importance of their latest CD, Narrow Stairs.

Standout track “Long Division” quakes with trademark Death Cab intensity and drive, but the remainder of the album isn’t as strong. The requisite weepers (“Bixby Canyon Bridge” and “The Ice is Getting Thinner”) seem forced and the extended almost-instro epic (“I Will Possess Your Heart”) has moments, but is ultimately disjointed. In fact, the best moments on the album come when Death Cab for Cutie don’t sound like themselves. Experimenting with more keyboard than ever, “You Can Do Better Than Me” is a shameless nod to the Beach Boys, and the mid-tempo rocker “Cath…” sounds more like Built to Spill. After a few spins it becomes clear that Narrow Stairs doesn’t stack up to the heartbreaking power of their last album, Plans, let alone the rest of their catalogue. It’s not a bad record, but it has the same effect as catching up with an old friend. Because of familiarity, you are quick to forgive them their shortcomings, but deep down you know that they aren’t living up to their full potential.