Steven Parrino

Guitar Grind

Steven Parrino

Steven Parrino

"Guitar Grind" opens abruptly with an overhead shot of Parrino, clad in sunglasses and a T-shirt, as he begins sliding his bass guitar—positioned facedown like a violin bow—against a guitar resting atop its case, causing a somewhat unholy racket. Occasionally reaching up to tweak the amplifier or manipulate the guitar pedal to produce screeching and howling feedback, Parrino uses the instruments unconventionally so that together they project a discordant noise. The artist masterfully draws the listener in to hear repetitions, subtle variations, and musical gestures in the unusual sonic palette. Shot by a lone cameraperson, the visuals of Parrino's performance become increasingly abstract as the music develops into a more familiar and alluring language.