CHRIS WALLA
Field Manual
(Barsuk)
**1/2

Chris Walla’s solo debut starts with a captivating choir comprising his voice layered and a cappella—he, himself, and him beautifully sing, “All hail an imminent collapse/You can fumble for your maps/But we’re exhausted by the facts.”

It’ll stop you when you hear it—you’ll listen closely, you’ll want to hear exactly what the hymnal voices are singing. The song is called “Two-Fifty,” and it’s the perfect track to open Field Manual, an exaggerated introduction to a record saturated with pretty sounds.

As early Death Cab for Cutie shows, facing off against the cherubic Ben Gibbard, Walla’s attempts at background vocals sounded weak and uncomfortable. At least once, he even giggled a little while singing, apparently aware that he was out of tune and maybe not fit for harmonizing.

But that was years ago. Field Manual proves Walla has learned to work with what he’s got. His voice is breathy and gentle (and in tune) and not unlike Gibbard’s. But it’s his trademark glorious production that makes the songs on Field Manual sing. His mixes here are impeccable—every sound is thoughtful and delicately balanced.

“Geometry &c.” showcases infectious pop with bright guitars and da dee dum hooks, while “The Score” summons up Superdrag. The brokenhearted “Holes,” ends the record on the opposite note of where it began, with just a lone Walla, his guitar, and a little bit of piano. The simple ballad is the best display of his voice on the entire record. Turns out Walla can sing after all.

Click here to listen to the song “Sing Again” via Barsuk.