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Survival Guide On Just Getting By

Solo projects are usually a festering of issues pent up in said member of a band. Think of that drummer that always gets sloppy seconds from the roadies or the aforementioned bassist that simply gets zero respect from the crowd and you start to get the drift of how Chris Walla’s second solo stab Field Manual plays out. But rather taking a piss on his situation, he’d rather do so toward his surroundings (ah - the political stances of artists). Rightfully so - since Walla’s work with Death Cab For Cutie has really been the cornerstone of the groups song crafting rather than his shamble. But one thing is obvious upon listening to his latest - he may have something to say but it’s not novel.

Field Manual unquestionably has its moments of rock - something arguably missing from past Death Cab recordings. Instead of the brooding heartbreak numbers, Walla tends to take out his belligerence on repeat guitar riffs that are more often than not just as catchy - if not simple. ‘The Score’ is as borderline pop/rock as one can get without sounding worn. But after the artsy intro of ‘Two Fifty’ turns neither glam project nor inventive pent-up outlet as once-guitarist-for-band kinda production would assume. Instead, we’re left with an album that shows there may in fact be nothing new under the sun but the same warm rays thru cloudy skies.

In effect, Walla is at his best when he tries nothing new. Alt rockers like ‘Geometry &C’ and ‘Our Plans Collapsing’ are as sharp tuned as any faction of Cutie would assume. But the album has a darker tone otherwise - and one that doesn’t seem to always work. Politically charged or just pissed off at others: songs like ‘Sing Again’, ‘Archer v. Light’, or ‘Everybody On’ takes on everything from reform to “insert here” disgruntlement about the political system. Unfortunately it all comes off as sluggish and bewilderingly used.

There’s no arguing that Walla has something to say and at moments its worth listening to. Plenty of work and trail (less obvious error) were the formula. But what otherwise was seen as a personal project becomes rather tame all too quickly. Fluxed in part because of his ability to croon the best of bittersweetness with a lack of urgency; Field Manual is a guidebook on how to get by without causing many ripples.

Sean Kendall