"Field Manual," set for a Tuesday release, is his first widely distributed solo release. And while pretty, haunting and immaculate, the album isn't likely to overshadow other projects he has had a hand in, be it as a musician in Death Cab or producing music from Tegan and Sara, Hot Hot Heat or The Decemberists.

"Geometry &c." (no, that's not a typo) is lively and driving,