Mystic Chords of Memory

Following the amicable 2002 dissolution of Beachwood Sparks, Christopher Gunst relocated to Santa Cruz alongside his then-new girlfriend Jen Cohen, previously of the Aislers Set. While pursuing graduate studies aimed at certification as a special education teacher, Gunst maintained his habit of experimenting with guitars and keyboards beyond classroom hours. Cohen soon contributed, transforming their casual playing into focused composition. Out of nowhere, Rough Trade contacted Gunst with an offer of a recording contract, which he accepted. Under the name Mystic Chords of Memory—derived from an encounter at Mount Rushmore—the pair issued their debut album in 2004. “I saw the quote etched under Lincoln’s face at Mount Rushmore,” Gunst remarked. “I love it, alluding to this idea that music is like a memory, a fantasy, or maybe something real. I think a lot of the music I make comes from some imaginary world.” The self-titled collection consisted of dreamy, psychedelic folk pieces reminiscent of Songs of Green Pheasant. Their second album, the reverb-laden and languid Tree Colored See, appeared in 2006.