By: Andy Little
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The Pennsylvanian born, Brooklyn based Steve Gunn was brought to my attention by the critical acclaim surrounding his 2014 Way Out Weather album. A soothing slice of fine fingerpicking guitar playing wrapped around quality singer song writing. So, on further investigation it turns out his first solo album was back in 2007 and along the way has made associations with Hiss Golden Messenger as well as a brief stint as guitarist for Kurt Vile’s Violators. Citing John Fahey and Michael Chapman as key guitar influences it is no surprise that his style isn’t flashy bluster but is instead low key, and an essential component to the framework of his songs.
On this follow up to the aforementioned Way Out Weather long player, Eyes On The Line was recorded between Black Dirt studios, West Town, New York and Uniform Recordings, in Philadelphia. The noticeable difference this time around is the enhanced full band effort and sound. With the same recording and touring band members of the last few years – multi-instrumentalist Nathan Bowles – drums, banjo, organ – Hans Chew – Wurlitzer – James Elkington – guitar, lap steel, dobro – Mary Lattimore – harp – in tow and contributing with the overall unified sound of the band.
It is essentially a rock album in the jingle jangle style reminiscent of the Byrds and in keeping with their vibe stripped from all male rock posturing and showboating. The richly constructed songs are the important focus so nothing is overplayed but all the playing is incredibly honed and tight. Although it still has to be said the guitar playing throughout is impeccable. This is best exemplified on the gorgeous jolly guitar harmonies on ‘Conditions Wild’, ‘Heavy Sails’, and the understated playing on ‘Nature Driver.’ And when a track does boast a guitar solo, albeit a short one, as in ‘Heavy Sails’, it sounds fittingly complimentary to the song.
What also makes this album intriguing is the main theme of being lost, directionless, while on a journey. And this is to be embraced, even enjoyed, rather than the fear and worry of not reaching the known, or unknown, destination. Assuming it was mainly written while touring it never sounds restricted to a musician’s lifestyle. It feels universal and can be related to any long physical journey and even one of a spiritual kind. So on opening track ‘Ancient Jules’ ‘you were lost on a road from a different way’ with advice to ‘take your time, ease up, look around and waste the day’, before the protagonist ‘set out in the other direction and found a way.’ ‘Nature Driver’ sees Steve Gunn singing ‘moving through the seasons and hoping for the best’, as he ‘go down another road and through a different town.’ While ‘The Drop’ recalls the experience of feeling exhausted as any long journey can do, ‘drained out at the service station.’
This is an album that slowly grows on repeated listens. Definitely one I wished accompanied me on my travelling days’ years ago. The mood and tone is positively mellow, content, and upbeat in a laid back manner so one can be easily swept away by its beautiful guitar harmonies. And it boasts some of the best effortlessly sounding intricate guitar playing and interplay you will hear all year. Being lost has never sounded so good.
