Kurt Vile & Steve Gunn bro down to celebrate 15 years of Three Lobed Recordings. One side of the record is credited to Vile, while the other bills Gunn, but the two singer-songwriters play on nearly every track. On the A-side, Vile & Gunn play songs by Randy Newman (“Pretty Boys”) and John Prine (“Way Back Then”) plus two originals, with a Nico cover (“60/40”) on the flip. The arrangements mostly consist of Gunn & Vile’s intimate vocals showcased  prominently over gently strummed banjo and guitar, with supple synth strings shining through on “Pretty Boys” and “60/40.” This session is part of a larger eponymous series of pairings that also includes Thurston Moore, Yo La Tengo, Hiss Golden Messenger and more, collected on a pricey 5LP boxset but thankfully available here on its own in a smart looking letter-pressed matte sleeve with matchbook-style closure.

• music label: Three Lobed Recordings 2017

reviewed by Kurupt FM Intern 08/2017