Archive for the ‘Chris Walla’ Category
Chris Walla – Field Manual Review
Chris Walla, the guitarist and producer of Death Cab for Cutie released Field Manual on February 2nd of this year. I didn’t really like the album when I listened to it and I didn’t bother reviewing it. I’m currently on an album crunch, due to a lot of albums not being out and I would like to wait until those perspective release dates.
I’ve been impressed with Chris Walla’s work as a producer. Specifically his work with Tegan and Sara on The Con, which was a very well done pop album. He has other production credits for Hot Hot Heat, The Decemberists and much more. He’s basically more then just another member to Ben Gibbard of Death Cab.
The problem I had with this album, Walla doesn’t really make himself stand out with this album musically, vocally or production wise. His voice sounds like one of a back up singer. He rarely sings with a loud voice, it’s rather soft and potentially soothing but it didn’t do it for me. Musically I figured he would add more pop to them album then he should’ve. His voice doesn’t help matters but everything is both simplistic yet not very catchy/poppy.
It’s not a bad album per se, it’s probably not a great album if you were under the impression of getting a Death Cab For Cutie’s member solo project which I was. Chris Walla does a great job in being subtle and staying within himself. He has proven his talent with other artists and I guess I had too much expectations.
There’s nothing bad or terrible on this album and I guess without the name of Chris Walla, it’d be an average album. I’m not sure I would’ve checked it out. I felt very uninspired to write this review. I guess Walla does come off as uninspired in his quietness.
Rating: 2.5 out of 5
