Although Chris Cresswell is mostly known as the singer and guitarist of the Fat Wreck Chords recording group the Flatliners, it didn’t surprise me that he put out an “all acoustic” solo album. Chris has been known to strip it down acoustically for performances in the past but it’s the unique recording style that makes his latest release so incredible.
Joey Cape (Lagwagon) another Fat Wreck veteran is the mastermind behind the recording process of Cresswell’s latest solo album. One Week Records is Joey’s new record label in which the studio projects are recorded in, you guessed it, one week. Brian Wahlstrom of Scorpios also had an Album released by One Week on May 16th (same day as Chris Cresswell) and there are more to come!
The One Week approach to recording is to simplify music into its pure form without over thinking or over producing. Chris Cresswell’s album sounds great and is straight coffee-house style acoustic music; bringing out the basics with just vocals, guitar and an occasional layer of keys. This album will stick with you throughout the day and it feels like a reflection of life and its many pitfalls – a soundtrack for life is what you will find here.
My favorite track on the album is “Daggers”, which seems to be a song about being stabbed in the back, I suppose; who can’t relate to that? This song also has a hook that has “oooohs” that sort of remind me of the Shins but in a good way. The whistling on Daggers is amazing and reminiscent of “Twisted Nerve,” the whistling theme from Kill Bill.
Even though the sound of Cresswell’s new solo album may not be as punk as you are used to, the attitude is definitely as punk and real as it can get. I give this album 4 out of 5 stars.
4/5 Stars