I wanted to post this entire album up here. I really did. field manual is actually Chris Walla's second solo album, and I was more than happy to see it. After a report of the hard drive actually being confiscated at the US/Canada border, I was even a little worried that it would be delayed. Thank God for external hard drives!
If Chris Walla's name sounds familiar, I should probably tell you he's the guitarist/producer in Death Cab for Cutie. He's also done work with The Decemberists and Tegan and Sara. If you're a fan of any of these bands, you're already quite familiar with Chris' sound and field manual doesn't disappoint.
The opening song "Two-Fifty" is full of the harmonies that we are so used to hearing with DCFC. This was my favorite song, not only because it reminded me of those harmonies, but there was something more stripped down and ethereal to them that I really liked. The simple drum beat in the background keeps a simple time and it's really easy to focus on the song and the meaning.
I tried not to make too many comparisons to that other band that Chris is in, but I'm such a big fan that I couldn't help it. I thoroughly enjoyed this album, and I'm on the hunt for more Chris Walla. In fact, Chris has more downloads available at his website Hall of Justice. You can also stream more tracks on his official MySpace page, or pre-order field manual in the Barsuk Shop and enjoy!
field manual is released January 29th, 2008.
