Death Cab for Cutie - The Open Door E.P Review

Songs that tend to end up on EPs are usually songs that didn't fit into the album they were recorded for, which basically means that they weren't good enough to make the final album cut. When Death Cab for Cutie announced that they had a five track EP, comprised of songs that weren't included on the highly disappointing Narrow Stairs, I was left to ponder whether or not it was possible that Death Cab could actually have recorded worse tracks than the ones on Stairs. The answer is yes. Forced melodies, failed hooks, and cringe-worthy lyrics, The Open Door sets a new low for Death Cab for Cutie. The tracks are rife with strumming, quirky lead guitar parts, self-pitying lyrics, and emotionless vocal melodies. The lyrics resemble those on Narrow Stairs, particularly the similar mid-life crisis themes of "I Was Once a Loyal Lover" and "Bixby Canyon Bridge." "Little Bribes", lyrically, retraces Gibbard's talent for summarizing the emotions felt in specific places ("What Sarah Said, "Why You'd Want To Live Here"), though it is offset by Gibbard's new, low singing style and and a horribly forced bridge. One can't forget that EPs are made up of extra tracks though, so you must take the mediocrity with a grain of salt. But still, it's pretty rough.

2 Stars