Chris Forsyth

Chris Forsyth is a lauded guitarist, composer and bandleader whose work assimilates art-rock textures and vernacular American influences. Long active in underground circles, he’s recently released a string of acclaimed records of widescreen guitar rock, and in 2013, he assembled the Solar Motel Band.

His most recent release is the 2019 double album All Time Present (No Quarter). Raves have been universal with four stars from Mojo Magazine and five stars from The Guardian. Pitchfork said he “seeks the third path between classic-rock peaks and floating experimentalism… [and] achieves a scope only hinted at on [his] previous full-lengths.” NPR Music previously named Forsyth “one of rock’s most lyrical guitar improvisors,” and the New York Times called him “a scrappy and mystical historian… His music humanizes the element of control in rock classicism (and) turns it into a woolly but disciplined ritual.”

(Photo credit: Constance Mensh)

Talks

Garcia Peoples’ One Step Behind Is Clear-Eyed and Ambitious

Music

By Chris Forsyth | November 1, 2019

Garcia Peoples’ One Step Behind Is Clear-Eyed and Ambitious

Chris Forsyth on how the Brooklyn band successfully does “whatever the fuck they want” on their new album.

The Past is Future and the Future is Past: On (and Against) Shred

Music

By Chris Forsyth | April 10, 2017

The Past is Future and the Future is Past: On (and Against) Shred

Chris Forsyth (the Solar Motel Band) does not want you to call him a shredder.