Between the multiple collaborative records and his current tour, Gunn remains focused on writing his upcoming album for Matador, not taking any time off. While on the road, he spends time coming up with arrangements, listening to sounds and trying to organize the thoughts in his head. Even at home, he remains focused on keeping the wheels turning and writing new material. According to Gunn, the new record is his priority for the summer going forward after his spring tour.
While Gunn is headlining and should put on a captivating set, he is not the only talented artist taking the stage this evening. Opening the show is Ryley Walker, another masterful guitarist whose music evokes the laid-back, grooving folk of the 1970s. The Illinois native will join Gunn for a few dates on this tour after SXSW, debuting songs from his upcoming record on Dead Oceans, Primrose Green. The album, due out at the end of the month, is a gentle, reflective record of folk rock that recalls a distant era while also sounding fresh, nostalgic but not dated.
In 2015, there's certainly no shortage of indie-rock guitarists fronting bands, but Gunn and Walker's talents and adherence to a classic sound helps separate the two from the pack. Fans of traditional classic rock who have grown tired of the banjos and sweeping choruses that have been prevalent on alt-rock radio would do well to check out this pair of musicians who are working to help revitalize a classic-rock sound without the flash or theatricality of many of their contemporaries, but with fully realized, impressive songwriting.
Steve Gunn and Ryley Walker perform tonight at Walters Downtown, 1120 Naylor, with the Guice Orchestra. Doors open at 8 p.m.
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