Tonics & Twisted Chasers (reissue) vinyl

Tonics & Twisted Chasers emerged in 1996 as a surprise release, marking a distinctive entry in Guided by Voices' prolific catalogue. Initially available as a mail-order only, vinyl-only album, its crude black-and-white sleeve reflected the band's DIY roots. This album, a collaboration between Robert Pollard and Tobin Sprout, deviates from the polished approach of Under the Bushes Under the Stars. It embraces lo-fi aesthetics, characterised by ultra-short tracks and raw creativity. Sprout's eclectic backing music, often featuring a drum machine, meshes with Pollard's stream-of-consciousness lyrics, resulting in a collection of nineteen songs, most under two minutes. Tonics & Twisted Chasers stands out for its experimental spirit and brevity, reminiscent of child-like creativity. Tracks like '158 Years of Beautiful Sex' and 'Look, It's Baseball' exude a spontaneous, unfiltered charm. Despite the album's modest presentation, it is filled with unique gems like the melancholic 'Is She Ever?' and the energetic 'Wingtip Repair'. The band's ability to fuse lo-fi production with profound musicality is elite. Tonics & Twisted Chasers is a hidden treasure, embodying the unrestrained and playful essence of Guided by Voices.