The Black Field (2003)

"Among the participants on Chris Eckman's second solo album are most of the Walkabouts, as well as Terry Lee Hale; Midnight Choir's Al DeLoner performing most of the arrangement on the title track; Sol Invictus/Sieben violinist Matt Howden (who turns in a grand part on "Crystalline"), and the Bambi Molesters' Dalibor Pavicic. But Eckman starts the album on a totally solo note with "Nights Like These," his warm rasp of a voice getting a showcase first with just acoustic guitar. His ear for sudden surprise musical turns shows well throughout, especially with the stylophone on the piano-led slow and stately "Low Country" adding a dreamy, alien atmosphere. Perhaps one of Eckman's best songs ever is the post-relationship retrospection of "Healing Waters of the Flood," with mystic, apocalyptic language and the vocal sung in a higher, softer voice than usual. The album ends on an intriguing note with a cover of the Buzzcocks' "Why Can't I Touch It?"." (Ned Raggett, Allmusic; 4 uit 5 sterren)

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