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Guided by Voices Welcome 2027 by Announcing ‘Speculation and Gossip’
Guided by Voices have announced their 45th studio album, *Speculation and Gossip*, due on 22 January through Rockathon Records. The band have also released its first single, “Designed for Use”, which turns packaging copy into a declaration of Robert Pollard’s musical purpose.
The album marks a return to recording remotely, with each member developing their own approach to sound and instrumentation. Pollard says he sought clearer separation between instruments, more varied songs and a brighter, less heavy tone than the group’s previous album, drawing on post-punk, pop, prog and psychedelia. He has also been immersed in surrealism and dada, and says further special releases are planned for 2027.
In short
- Guided by Voices’ 45th album arrives on 22 January.
- “Designed for Use” is the first single.
- The band returned to remote recording for a brighter, more varied sound.
Explained simply
Guided by Voices are an American rock band led by singer and songwriter Robert Pollard, who is known for writing a large number of songs. The group has released dozens of albums, often moving between rough-edged rock, pop melodies and more experimental sounds.
The band’s members have sometimes recorded together and sometimes worked remotely, building their parts separately. Pollard says the new album draws on several styles, including post-punk, progressive rock and psychedelia, and reflects his interest in surrealist and dada art. These references point to work that can favour unusual images and unexpected combinations over a straightforward story.