Palm Beach Post - 4/6/01
David Thomas

Guided By Voices
Isolation Drills
TVT Records

Grade - A

Last year, Guided By Voices released an amazing pop-oriented record,
Do The Collapse, with former Cars frontman Ric Ocasek producing a disc
distinctly influenced by new wave rock. On Isolation Drills, the group
has taken a different direction incorporating British influences new and
old.
 
Tracks like "Chasing Heather Crazy" are built on the same chords the
Beatles used more than 30 years ago and they still seem new with Robert
Pollard's soft vocals. His voice carries the mellow string-accented
"Sister I Need Wine", which is a short minute and a half segue into an
upbeat indie rocker "Want One?". That Blur-influenced tune clocks in
under two minutes as well.

The near perfect transitions of the short songs are remarkable
considering the different tempos and styles. Guest musicians like Elliot
Smith only add to the record's appeal.