Wollard, Chris -& The Ship Thieves-
Wollard, Chris -& The Ship Thieves-
These days, there are as many country-rocking singer / songwriters as there are baristas in LA with head shots. So Chris Wollards solo debut, & The Ship Thieves, isnt going to grab anyone by the lapels like Andy Dick on a bender; its charm is a longer game. Wollards moody, drawling croon wins your confidence slowly with each successive encounter. Though largely driven by folksy, acoustic strumming, Wollard does tap the electricity of his day jobs (HOT WATER MUSIC & THE DRAFT) for the ringing power-pop opener "No Exception" and "All The Things You Know." Songs like these contribute to the [albums] steady momentum, as Wollard mixes it up without muddying the discs reflective tone. This attitude is epitomized by the jangly album highlight "Oh Whatever" with its self-indicting chorus. The arrangements are prim without being austere, placing Wollards diffident, shuffling vocals center stage. The album feels as breezy as it does wistful, and lingers like memories of summer vacation. Elegant 8-panel fold-out Digipack. Will not clean your toilet, but might do the windows if you tip.