Song of the Day: Gunn-Truscinski Duo – Flood And Fire

By Michael Tedder

Every Monday through Friday, we deliver a different song as part of our Song of the Day podcast subscription. This podcast features exclusive KEXP in-studio performances, unreleased songs, and recordings from independent artists that our DJs think you should hear. Today’s song, featured on The Afternoon Show with Kevin Cole, is “Flood and Fire” by Gunn-Truscinski Duo from the album Bay Head on Three Lobed Recordings.

Gunn-Truscinski Duo – Flood And Fire (MP3)

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.