Listening to “Philip Guston”, the latest from Vic Chesnutt off his forthcoming LP At The Cut, one is treated with an array of sounds that break free of the standard folk mold to include some fairly in-your-face rock. From the opening minimal two-chord distorted guitar riff, to the epic crescendo that builds throughout the track, it’s obvious that mastery extends beyond merely Chesnutt.

Yes, “Philip Guston” expands horizons and influence. Chesnutt holds dear the sensibilities he’s built through an empire of releases by adding an array of contributions by artists whose fame is already rooted in rock history, like Guy Picciotto (Fugazi) and members of Godspeed You! Black Emperor. The summation is the pinnacle of excellence.

At The Cut comes out September 22 on Constellation Records.

Vic Chesnutt: Philip Guston [mp3]

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