Steve Gunn – Lost Lane – 16/09/19 – Gig Review
by Killian Laher

An autumnal Monday night in Dublin saw the successful gaelic football teams share the limelight with visiting guitarist Steve Gunn. In truth, Lost Lane was about as far away as you could get from such wild celebrations. First up was Seattle musician Austin Crane, who records as Valley Maker, played an agreeable brand of mellow folk rock. His slurry vocals on Seven Signs and Beautiful Birds Flying were reminiscent of a cross between Kurt Vile and David Gray. His repetitive refrains and rolling guitar figures got a good reception but ultimately little remained after he was gone.

Although Steve Gunn has been touring with a band he played this show solo. He played a set of long drawn-out versions of material from his recent albums, with a long complex guitar passage introducing Old Strange. New Moon saw him accompany himself on harmonica, while he also showed off the Marr-stylings of Vagabond, Stonehurst Cowboy and others from recent album The Unseen In Between. As well as a cover of Michael Chapman’s Among The Trees, he played older material such as Way Out Weather and Mr Franklin. His clean, intricate guitar playing was at times a joy to behold, and he was clearly delighted to be back in Dublin. Finishing off with New Familiar and Lightning Field, the evening was well worth the effort of venturing out on a Monday night.

Set List –

Old Strange
New Moon
Stonehurst Cowboy
Mr Franklin
Among The Trees
Vagabond
Way Out Weather
New Familiar
Lightning Field