Chris Walla - Field Manual

2008, Barsuk
Verdict: B

Chris Walla's debut solo disc, Field Manual, is precisely what one would expect, for better or worse, from the Death Cab for Cutie guitarist and in-demand producer.  It doesn't qualify as much of a departure, but if his band's forthcoming LP is as strong, there should be a lot of happy bloggers out there.

Moody, yearning indie pop with a dash of slick shoegaze, Field Manual instantly qualifies as a solid follow up to Death Cab's Plans.  Though Walla does occasionally try to branch out from that proven formula - those tracks are generally the weakest of the lot.  In the end it's the tried, true and still engaging formula that wins us over.

First the bad: "The Score" sheds his band's trademark melancholy for an up-tempo rocker, but ends up landing smack in the middle of generic radio pop-rock terrain.  Later, "It's Unsustainable" is a slow-burn ballad that never really takes off. But when Walla embraces his Death Cabiness, the results are far better.

"Geometry and Co." is an obvious single, riding a catchy guitar riff, thoughtful if well-worn lyrics and a propulsive drum beat.  If the band takes any of Walla's solo stuff on the road this year, it might make for a good "Sound of Settling" follow-up.

"Everybody Needs a Home," though a tad moodier and softer. mines similar terrain, while "Archer v. Light" is an engaging bass/drum-heavy winner.

"St. Modesto" is probably our favorite track.  Shimmering, heartfelt and catchy as hell, Gibbard might be wishing his band mate saved tracks like these for the day job.

Official Site | MySpace Profile | Label Site

Key Tracks:

"St. Modesto"
"Geometry and Co."
"Archer v. Light"

Video Clip:

"Sing Again"

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