US rock band names new album after Welshpool

A new album that has been released by an American rock band this month has been named after Welshpool.

Guided by Voices have released ‘Welshpool Frillies’, the latest in a career spanning 40 years and more than 35 albums.

Described by one reviewer as having “ingenious lyrics and incendiary guitars providing the world with something to chew on and something to rock out to”, Welshpool Frillies has been warmly received since its release.

But what’s the connection? MyWelshpool spoke to the band over the weekend and manager, David Newgarden, told us: “There’s no direct connection or story - Robert (Pollard, founder and frontman) remembered the town name from looking at maps as a child and liked the sound of the word!”

With another reviewer saying “GBV is one of those bands that you can rely on to tickle your fancy and prick your imagination”, Welshpool Frillies is sure to please the band’s loyal following, so perhaps we may see it performed in the town on a future tour? 

Who are Guided by Voices?

According to Wikipedia, Guided by Voices (GBV) is an American indie rock band formed in 1983 in Dayton, Ohio.

It has made frequent personnel changes but always maintained the presence of principal songwriter Robert Pollard.

Guided by Voices’ music was influenced by early post-British Invasion garage rock, psychedelic rock, progressive rock, punk rock and post-punk.

The band has had a prolific output, releasing 35+ full-length albums along with many other releases, and has garnered a dedicated cult following.

Their songs are known for their frequent brevity and for ending abruptly or intertwining with homemade sound effects.

Guided by Voices initially disbanded in 2004. In 2010 the ‘classic’ line-up reunited to perform at Matador Records’ 21st anniversary party, subsequently touring and releasing six new albums.

The band broke up a second time in 2014, but Pollard again rebooted the band with a new album and a new line-up in 2016.