New York based guitarist Steve Gunn may be most widely known as a member of Kurt Vile’s backing band The Violators, but among his peers he is a highly respected musician. With well over a decade of experience, Gunn was a member of the Gunn Truscinski Duo and has also worked with Meg Baird (Espers) and the Magik Markers. Time Off is Gunn’s first album under his own name, and he is joined by longtime collaborator John Truscinski on drums and Justin Tripp on bass. The warm, expansive collection nods to bands like the Grateful Dead, JJ Cale, and Neil Young, however the album remains fresh and unique. The interplay between the musicians is spot on, featuring deft guitars and sophisticated arrangements. A few standouts include the opener, “Water Wheel”; the toe-tapping “New Decline”; and the captivating “Trailways Rambler.” Steve Gunn’s Time Off is an instant classic and one of the best releases of 2013. – Written by JFelton
SIMILAR | Junip, Mount Moriah, Small Sur, William Tyler