Steve Gunn has been one of the busiest guitarists around for more than a decade. He's toured with Kurt Vile, issues solo instrumental albums at a regular pace, and is seemingly always looking to stretch himself via collaboration. He recently reteamed with drummer John Truscinski for Bay Head, their third collection of exploratory improvisations.
The omnivorous pair has previously shown an interest in everything from jazz to avant-garde composition. On "Flood And Fire" they start with a spacious jangle that recalls Sonic Youth at their most contemplative, but as Truscinski gains momentum, Gunn pushes himself to keep up, clustering his phrasing tighter and tighter until he unleashes a coda reminiscent of Neil Young in his most shred-happy moods before circling back around to a gentle closing note.
Steve Gunn is playing the Tractor Tavern on Thursday, January 11th. To hold yourself over until then, you can follow him on Facebook here and check out the in-studio session he recorded when he dropped by KEXP last year with his group The Outliners.
