Chris Walla: Going solo, and taking Death Cab into 'dogs of death' terrain

The Death Cab for Cutie guitarist just released his first proper solo album, “Field Manual,” and is busy finishing the forthcoming Death Cab release, “Narrow Stairs.” It’s an album, Chris Walla promises, that possesses a sound that's “way less fluffy bunnies” than prior Death Cab records.

In the midst of wrapping up what he says is the hardest-rocking Death Cab record to date, Walla took some time to discuss his long-in-the-works solo project, and why it was confiscated at the U.S./Canada border.

It’s also the first in our online “crash course” series, which takes a look at non-superstar artists who shouldn’t be overlooked. Click here to begin.

(Photo courtesy Barsuk)