Field Manual

iTunes Review

Though it’s his role as a multi-instrumentalist with Death Cab for Cutie that raised his public profile, Chris Walla is best known to his fellow musicians as an accomplished producer, lending his ear and expertise to Nada Surf, Tegan and Sara, the Thermals and the Decemberists. Ironic then that until 2008’s Field Manual, Walla has issued his solo work only as low-budget, low-fi self-releases (as limited edition cassettes under the name Martin Youth Auxiliary). Not surprisingly this big studio self-titled debut is loaded with ideas. Anyone versed in Death Cab for Cutie and their earnest pop will find much to relate to here, whether it’s the sharp power-chord pop guitars of “The Score,” the Cure-like synth lines that cement the hook of the guitar-chugging “Everyone Needs a Home” or the jangly ‘80s pop guitars of “Everybody On.” Walla’s thin achy vocals recall the fragility of Alex Chilton and Big Star, his hooks fall somewhere between the ‘db’s and the Gin Blossoms (“Our Plans, Collapsing”).  Sweet melodies throughout.