Album Mini-review: Steve Gunn — Eyes on the Lines
File next to: Kurt Vile & the Violators, Hiss Golden Messenger, Grateful Dead
Though his stated influences variously suggest that his own music might be experimental, avant-garde or folk-leaning, Steve Gunn instead makes guitar hero music that puts the emphasis on songcraft. With a lean, snaky guitar approach that’s equal parts Tom Verlaine‘s work in Television, Jerry Garcia and Thurston Moore, Gunn distills his influences into something completely his own. And that something is both fascinating and more accessible than the music that informed it. Gunn’s unassuming voice fits snugly into the songs, and his cracking, hyperactive (but never “busy”) guitar spins out an almost nonstop barrage of leads. Those leads serve as a kind of countermelody to Gunn’s vocals. There’s a hypnotic, floating quality to songs like “The Drop” that draws the listener in, and the carefully layered arrangements on Eyes on the Lines consistently reward active listening.
About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day since 2018). The 4500-plus interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he taught a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- more than 30 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: Great Concept Albums will be published in 2024. Read even more about him here.