Baird Chemistry

For over a decade, guitarist/vocalist Steve Gunn has been one of American music’s most pivotal figures - conjuring immersive and psychedelic sonic landscapes both live and on record, releasing revered solo albums ranking high on in-the-know end of year lists, alongside exploratory collaborations with artists as diverse as Mike Cooper, Kurt Vile, and Michael Chapman (whose most recent studio album he produced).

It seems fitting that the two volumes in this set start with entries for Edward Abbey and Wes Jackson, men who spoke for appropriate and ethical interaction with nature. Abbey espoused the value of wildness for its own sake, and Jackson continues to work for agriculture that complements natural ecosystems.

San Francisco based group, featuring Meg Baird (Espers), Noel Von Harmonson (Comets on Fire, Six Organs of Admittance, Sic Alps, The Lowdown), Ethan Miller (Comets on Fire, Howlin’ Rain, Feral Ohms), and Charlie Saufley (Assemble Head in Sunburst Sound). Heron Oblivion’s origins date to 2013 in SF’s Bayview district, where its four members– fueled by a love of 60s/70s scuzz and commune jams, folk rock, noise, and P.S.F. Japanese underground—would get together for what Miller describes as “blistering, extended free jam sessions.” The four musicians realized that their initial chemistry (which was strong from the outset) was undeniable and it’s vision unified. Heron Oblivion was born. Ultimately, Heron Oblivion fused song craft to its improvisational leanings. What materialized is a mesmeric compilation of English folk rock and earthy West Coast psychedelia spiked with feedback and explosive dissonant elements. The sum of these elements will make up their Sub Pop debut.

A scientist discovers a formula that makes a baseball which is repelled by wood. He promptly sets out to exploit his discovery.

It seems fitting that the two volumes in this set start with entries for Edward Abbey and Wes Jackson, men who spoke for appropriate and ethical interaction with nature. Abbey espoused the value of wildness for its own sake, and Jackson continues to work for agriculture that complements natural ecosystems.