Thin White Rope - In The Spanish Cave torrent

Thin White Rope (TWR) was an American rock band fronted by Guy Kyser and related to the desert rock and paisley underground sub-genres. It was formed in Davis, California in 1984, and released five albums to critical acclaim.

The band was largely based on singer/songwriter/guitarist Guy Kyser and guitarist Roger Kunkel, with a changing line-up of drummers and bass guitarists. It was noted for its twin guitar attack (compare Television), innovative use of feedback structures and oblique lyrics.

TWR disbanded in 1992. The double live LP The One That Got Away chronicles its epic last show in Ghent, Belgium, on 28 June of that year.

The name "Thin White Rope" derives from a William S. Burroughs description of human semen.


Album Notes
Thin White Rope: Guy Kyser, Roger Kunkel (vocals, guitar); John Von Feldt (vocals, bass); Jozef Becker (drums).

Additional personnel: Mike Connelly, Dave Muller (trumpet); Jan Potzmann (background vocals).


The only record better this sadly under-heard band put together is The One That Got Away, their live swan song double album that blisters. Long before the guitar was reborn in Seattle, this David, Calif., was staying true to the tradition of great guitar bands. With Guy Keyser leading the way with awesome guitar, scary lyrics and screaming vocals, the band pulses with an energy that has not been replicated since.

Imagine a group of cowboys in the 1800s with electric guitars and bad saddle sores. Then introduce them to Television.

What makes these guys all the greater is that Guy quit the band to get an advanced degree in soil science and became a college professor, and Roger Kunkel (also lead guitar) formed lounge/electronica/funk/theme band Acme Rocket Quartet. The two of them loved the music, and it shows.


1. Mr. Limpet

2. Timing

3. It's OK

4. Ahr-Skidar

5. Red Sun

6. Munich Eunich - (bonus track)

7. Elsie Crashed The Party

8. Ring

9. Astronomy

10. Wand

11. July