Chris Wollard & The Ship Thieves Chris Wollard & The Ship Thieves

No Idea Records

3 out of 5 stars

The solo project titled “& The Ship Thieves” does the job to say the least. Unfortunately, it’s good, but it’s nothing spectacular. Granted it leaves you guessing at some points and throws a few little curve balls reminiscent of Wilco and Johnny Cash, but overall the album feels like a generic, almost lazy attempt at ’90s alternative rock. There just doesn’t seem to be anything to distinguish Wollard from a scattering of small town bands across the Midwest that are playing pretty much the same thing. The music is comfortable, but that’s it. —  Mike Hedrick