Album Review

Benjamin Gibbard – Former Lives

• 9th Nov 2012

Benjamin Gibbard is probably one of my favourite writers and obviously I fall at his feet with anything he creates, but this solo project is just unlike anything he has done before. I kept waiting for that familiar Death Cab for Cutie sound, but it never came and I think it’s a good thing. It really puts him on the map as a solo artist in a way that would separate him from his band of fifteen years.

‘Former Lives’ is not just an album but a spontaneous piece of art. Using a variety of instruments, I never knew where a track would take me. Guitar riffs, piano solos and even a mariachi band, yes that’s right, it doesn’t fail to work. Varied genres without, I hear bits of country, folk and British indie bursting at the seams that make bands like The Smiths so recognisable; I could even hear the likes of Joy Divison and The Beatles.

‘Shepherd’s Bush Lullaby’ is an acapella intro about being in London and a significant other being across an ocean. Always in past bands Gibbard has been involved with, there’s always a song about being on tour or being in a different city. ‘Dream Song’ starts out with that Ben Gibbard charm but the next thing I knew it took a turn of piano solos that I’d imagine in a saloon. Dripping with beautiful lyrics about relationships and not sleeping, I felt content and mesmerised. ‘Teardrop Windows’ takes something out of the Country Rock genre, banjos and all. It’s mellow and slow paced, complimenting the vocals, so you can really hear each word perfectly. To me these aren’t just lyrics, but poetry about harsher times. ‘Bigger than Love’ reminds me a great deal of The Killers, but a much softer version. Once again, just three tracks in, the genre has changed. Gibbard’s vocals really came to life and throughout I heard the strings of the familiar Death Cab ways.

‘Lily’ is definitely more of a folk song, the kind you’d imagine to be sung around a campfire. Tambourines used gently throughout, this short peaceful song adds to the already eclectic album. ‘Something’s Rattling (Cowpoke)’ is where that mariachi band comes in, trumpets included. It’s probably the most diverse track on the album; nevertheless it continues to add to earlier tracks and keeps you guessing. Made up of mainly melodic music, this is a striking song. ‘Duncan, Where Have You Gone?’ is the seventh track on the album and it’s not hard to tell which song it is by ‘Duncan’ being used a regular lyric throughout. I feel this is a song that Elton John would have released with The Beatles and I mean that in the best way. It has a retro sound that makes classic music still popular today, whilst still making it clear that Benjamin Gibbard is still in the mix.

The eighth track ‘Oh, Woe’ reminds me once again of The Killers, but with a lot more riffs without being too heavy. Still some tambourine action going on again that makes it a cheery song. ‘A Hard One to Know’ is a fast paced, Country Rock album and a great listen at that. I felt it created a happy atmosphere and the whole attitude makes this song into a love sonnet about a crazy woman. ‘Lady Adelaide’ is a perfect example of Ben Gibbard picking up a random instrument and creating a song. This compliments his soft vocals and steady beat into something creative. For ‘Broken Yolk in Western Sky’ Gibbard appears to take a chapter out of ex-wife Zooey Deschanel’s book. A track similar to something I’d hear as part of her folk/country band, She & Him.

The final track ‘I’m Building a Fire’ is a short acoustic piece and a great way to end this twelve track album. Once again Gibbard is able to turn a song into something of pure emotion and it stops me completely in my path. It’s just the type of song you appreciate.

“These songs span eight years, three relationships, living in two different places, drinking then not drinking” he says of the dozen tracks that comprise Former Lives. “They’re a side story, not a new chapter.” – Benjamin Gibbard

Love Death Cab For Cutie or hate them, Benjamin Gibbard’s solo album accommodates to any music taste and I would highly recommend getting your hands on ‘Former Lives’ from Monday 12th November. Look out for his only UK performance at the Union Chapel, London on December 3rd.

Venue: Former Lives
Support Band: Barsuk Records