Parallel Stride

Doug Gillard — 2026

“The ultimate collaborator reclaims the center stage: Gillard’s first solo outing since 2014 feels like a long-awaited conversation finally resumed.”

When you’ve got your hands in as many projects as Doug Gillard, it can be hard to find the time for your own work. Considering all the time he’s dedicated to Guided By Voices, Nada Surf, ESP Ohio, Bambi Kino, and a plethora of other musical outlets, it’s not surprising that his last album under his own name came out more than a decade ago (2014’s excellent Parade On). But now that GBV has wrapped-up touring (for the time being), Gillard has assembled Parallel Stride, a new album of 11 songs that shows his creative momentum hasn’t slowed down one bit.

Gillard has built his reputation on his guitar playing, and deservedly so—his sound is as effortlessly melodic as it is technically impressive, an instantly recognizable style that resonates without being overly flashy. But his solo work reveals his talents as a singer and songwriter too, and Parallel Stride is no exception. Playing most of the instruments himself, Gillard crafts sharp indie rock tunes that cycle through a variety of moods and tones, filled with plenty of catchy guitar riffs (of course) along with thoughtful lyrics and memorable hooks carried by his understated vocals.

The album starts out strong with a one-two punch: “Face of Smiles” kicks things off with one of the album’s most memorable guitar lines and a great vocal melody, and “Parallel Stride” ups the energy with its gritty, riff-driven edge. “My Friends” leans-in to Gillard’s post-punk pedigree, while “Saving My Life Everyday” highlights his knack for catchy pop hooks. There are also some quirkier moments, like closer “She Showed Me The Earth,” whose lyrics dip into sci-fi territory atop a vaguely Beatlesque chord progression.

Gillard’s brand of guitar-centric indie rock will obviously appeal to GBV fans (especially those who appreciate the band’s current incarnation), but anyone who digs the likes of Tommy Keene, Paul Westerberg, Bob Mould, or even Tom Petty will find plenty to love too.

Gillard has recorded a lot of material in his four-plus decades as a musician, but as only the fourth album under his own name Parallel Stride is something special. Those already familiar with his work won’t find its high quality surprising, but for everyone else it’s a great way to see why Gillard is indie rock’s favorite secret weapon.