Compelling, eclectic and raw

Indie rock band Guided By Voices recently released their 38th studio album Welshpool Frillies. Since forming in 1983, the band has honed in on their eclectic sound featuring chiming guitars associated with jangle pop, hissy melodies and the subdued vocals of their lead singer. The wide range of diversity in their music is due to the inspiration the band takes from various artists, including but not limited to R.E.M., The Beatles and The Who. Guided By Voices is unafraid to experiment which distinguishes them from many other rock groups.

The opening track, “Meet the Star” kicks off with an attention-grabbing bass line, complemented by a drum beat that makes each instrument pop. The chorus switches up, first starting off with simple instrumentation and then adding more complexity with a shining guitar riff. The lyrics focus on abrupt images like “long yellow fingers” and a “dust colored stash.” The piece builds up to a guitar solo that leaves the song with a distorted ring. This track sets the stage for the album as it highlights essential aspects of the band’s musical stylings.

“Cruisers’ Cross” has a leisurely vibe and features a catchy guitar riff with lyrics reminiscing about memories. The relatively fast tempo of “Romeo Surgeon” creates an energetic atmosphere with its intentionally choppy electric guitar breaks.

“Chain Dance” is a stripped-back song with acoustic guitar and a bagpipe-like hum playing in the background. Word painting is used throughout the piece and a quick hit of a tambourine mimicking the sound of chains. The song’s simplicity allows listeners to heavily focus on the solitary, singled-out imagery presented in the lyrics. “Why Won’t You Kiss Me” takes a similar approach to the former track in terms of lyrics guiding the band’s musical decisions. When the lead singer, Robert Pollard, expresses his anxious internal monologue, each verse is fast paced. However, the chorus slows down when another person puts him at ease.

There’s a heavier focus on lyrical rhyming in “Cats on Heat” with lines such as “zebra stripe pistol,”  “swallows her whistle” and “blows by like a missile.” The tap of a high hat at the end of the song flows nicely into “Mother Mirth,” which shares many similarities with “Chain Dance,” except the lyrics give a sense of interconnectedness rather than isolation.

The first half of “Don’t Blow Your Dream Job” features a staccato guitar motif reminiscent of “Alright” by Supergrass. The piece then shifts to a slower melody in the song’s second half, as if it was produced with the visual of their fans swaying side to side in mind. “Rust Belt Boogie,” like the title suggests, is a song made to dance to. Composed of soaring vocals, upbeat instrumentation and the occasional slow down, this track feels anthemic in every sense of the word.

The choice to record the album live to tape shines in “Seedling.” The vocals sound raw and almost vintage with quick blips of static appearing here and there. While the song talks about growing, the guitar riffs and soft trumpet patterns make for a triumphant ambience. “Better Odds” features soft background harmonizations and a memorable guitar part that rings throughout the song and creates feelings of longing.

Welshpool Frillies is an incredibly consistent record that stays true to Guided By Voices’ experimental rock sound. The distinctive timbre of the electric guitar that’s boosted by the bass and drum beats, mysterious lyrics and the subtle drop-ins from other instruments makes for a compelling listening experience.