8/10

Having been known as an artist who likes to embark on new and interesting projects, Death Cab For Cutie frontman Benjamin Gibbard has once again stepped away from his familiar outfit to deliver an unusual take for his next solo record. His first one-man release since 2012's 'Former Lives', 'Bandwagonesque' is a complete cover album of the seminal 1991 Teenage Fanclub record of the same name, except through the unique perspective of Gibbard himself.

While on the outside, it may not seem like Teenage Fanclub and Gibbard to have much of a familiar sound to one another, but it is that juxtaposition of influences that makes this release so captivating to listen to. It seems that Gibbard obviously has a lot of admiration for this record, and thus doesn't do much in the way to outshine it. The result therefore is a modest yet powerful rendition of these songs that still manage to evoke emotion when they have to.

I can't say whether fans of the original will find the appeal in its remake, but as a standalone release, 'Bandwagonesque' is a beautifully crafted record which stands more as a homage than a complete rework. Gibbard's vocals do a wondrous job of creating a balance between the album's softer and faster moments, giving a fantastic listening experience from start to finish.