BENJAMIN GIBBARD 

Former Lives

[Barsuk]

Benjamin Gibbard is known for being earnest. The Death Cab for Cutie frontman’s solemn reputation precedes him, and given his recent divorce from singer and actress Zooey Deschanel, fans might expect his solo debut to be a bit dour. To be sure, Gibbard’s trademark broken heart is ever present, but this is no typical breakup record. Featuring songs discarded and half-written over the last eight years, Former Lives finds Gibbard ruminating on cities, identity and yes, breakups—both real and imaginary. For the most part, his arrangements will be familiar to Death Cab fans. He occasionally goes Americana, adding extra jangle in the guitars or the odd pedal steel, but he also injects some humor, as with self-aware a cappella opener “Shepherd’s Bush Lullaby” and “Something’s Rattling (Cowpoke).” As with all sensitive songwriters, Gibbard’s voice connects with audiences as much as his lyrics, and here, he’s every bit the smooth indie troubadour he’s always been. –Amanda Farah

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