THE SKINNY: There are several reasons why Guided by Voices are one of the most lauded and cultish rock acts of all time, but frontman Robert Pollard’s continued brilliance as a prolific purveyor of songs is what underpins all their success. Despite the continuous shifting of the zeitgeist, the band’s leader and only constant member has always trodden his own path. Their latest album, Strut of Kings, is a resounding display of his supremacy.

Don’t get me wrong; on their last outing, Nowhere To Go But Up, the band’s third of 2023, I felt that the formula was getting a touch fatigued. It appeared that Pollard might be slowing down at long last after years of being the most proficient songwriter around. After all, it was his 40th album with the group, a milestone seldom seen in music. However, on Strut of Kings, he emphatically puts any misgivings to bed.

This is a collection of 11 songs that range from the punchy, crunching rock that the band first found acclaim with to more expansive epics and even the odd tender moment, an area in which Pollard is also well-versed. While there are many elements that stand out with the first listen, it’s the way that Strut of Kings keeps you on your toes throughout, and its inherently dynamic, eclectic nature has you coming back for more. It’s a sonic odyssey brimming with delights.

From the onset to the final notes ringing out, Pollard is on fire. His expressive delivery and grasp of potent melody are the tip of the group’s spear, adding another dimension to his surreal poetry, which includes saluting the humble onion and the odd stark political theme. Elsewhere, the riffs, rhythm section and production are all exceptional, with it clear to this lowly writer that Guided by Voices are not done yet. 

For fans of: Kicking empty beer cans on the street and not giving a goddamn about anything.

A concluding comment from my AS-level English teacher: “Robert Pollard is above the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Guided by Voices are an institution.”

Strut of Kings track by track:

Release Date: June 28th | Producer: Travis Harrison | Label: Guided by Voices Inc./Rockathon Records

‘Show Me The Castle’: A slow-building opener. Pollard provides a rousing vocal performance as the track bounces between spacey psychedelia and assertive rock. Encompassing several different sentiments within just over four minutes of exuberance, this track distils his mastery as a songwriter. [4/5]

‘Dear Onion’: There’s no messing about with the second stop. Another track marked out by constantly shifting music, dynamic guitars and Pollard’s expressive delivery, it’s one of the most infectious moments on the album. [4/5]

‘This Will Go On’: The atmospheric chimes of the acoustic guitar open this lo-fi number, with Pollard’s reverb-drenched vocals heightening the mood. It continues moving between two sections before it gradually evolves into a short but sweet climax, supported by texturing guitars and layered singing. [3.5/5]

‘Fictional Environment Dream’: A return to the blend of rock swagger and wistful indie that Guided by Voices have made their own over the years, from the melodic chords to Pollard’s harmony, it quickly stands out as one of the best on Strut of Kings; just check out the orchestral elements that surprisingly emerge and the lead refrain. It is vintage from the band. [4.5/5]

‘Olympus Cock In Radiana’: Opening with the attitude-laden, crunching chugs of the guitars, in true form, Pollard and the band have you in the palm of their hands as an experimental beat and grooving bassline then enter the fold prompting a question as to where it’s heading. When it all comes together, another earworm of a riff appears, and the energy grows before an altogether more towering sonic mass emerges. It’s like a 1970s rock epic done through Pollard’s concise context. [4/5]

‘Leaving Umbrella’: The epic nature of the record is not finished with the above track, as an arresting atmospheric palette opens this one, propped up by the strums of the guitar, expressive thuds of the toms, and Pollard’s passionate vocals. It brings to mind The Sensational Alex Harvey Band in aspects. [4/5]

‘Cavemen Running Naked’: The band continue their experimentation with the psychedelic genre here, as they weave in and out of direct rock, which includes a riff that Revolver-era George Harrison would have been proud of, and a fleeting, more out-there vibe to contrast it. It’s absolutely thunderous. [4/5]

‘Timing Voice’: “At the sound of… you may begin,” an unknown voice opens this corker with, as some hilarious sound effects burst through the mix in between the words. Another rock epic, that this time evokes glam and even elements of Britpop, with the reverse delay caking the guitar solo one of its highlights, there isn’t a more explicit moment on the record that shows that Guided by Voices still has much in the tank. The energy and artistic verve is palpable. Pollard is particularly on fire. There’s so much to love. [4.5/5]

‘Bit Of A Crunch’: While Pollard is adept at punchy rock numbers, as well as more expansive moments, he’s also a master at the ballad. Offering a compelling counterpoint to the previous number, this slower effort provides nearly five minutes of nostalgic reflection, with the frontman’s vocals immensely warm, making his sincere words pierce that bit deeper. The echoing percussive textures are also an effective addition to the mix. [4.5/5]

‘Serene King’: Back to the booze-filled anthems. This is another utterly vintage moment that has everything Guided By Voices does best: a potent vocal verse melody, catchy guitars, and an emphatic chorus lyrically and musically. There’s no surprise it was a single. The emotive bassline in the bridge is one aspect that stands out. It’s on tracks such as this that you understand how later bands such as Cloud Nothings emerged. [4.5/5]

‘Bicycle Garden’: Pollard is a master of layering, and on this spirited final offering, Guided by Voices keep the train going as the listener’s head bobs in tandem with the rhythm before a meaty, triumphant riff, euphoric brass and a couple of “bah bah’s” from the frontman envelop, and confirm that even 41 albums in, the Ohio group are still immensely culturally relevant in an era of fast hits and pandering. [4/5]