Listening to the opening strains of “Sing Again,” the first slice released from Death Cab side-man Chris Walla’s long-gestated solo debut, Field Manual, it’s obvious that he’s picked up a few tricks from his years spent behind the boards for the Decemberists and the Long Winters, among others. No messing around here; just two and a half minutes of galloping drums, a bouncing bass line and an understated guitar.

The song begins with a simple declaration: “It was not tricky to enjoy,” Walla sings, throwing us directly into the head of the action. Walla’s voice doesn’t have the range of a Ben Gibbard or Colin Meloy, but his understated delivery works well within the confines of a bouncy pop song. “Sing Again” is seemingly this light and breezy number, but if you listen closely you can hear the subtle touches that make the whole thing: the warm Rhodes plinks, the piano that enters on the chorus, the sudden ending. Walla has claimed in interviews that Field Manual is a political record, featuring songs about the war in Iraq and hurricane Katrina, and this might be his rallying cry. “If we still cared at all, we’d send a battle call and sing again.” We will follow you into the dark, Chris.

Download audio file (03 Sing Again.mp3)

Links:
Chris WallaSpace

Photo courtesy of “the artist”