Roland's work is generally rooted in
psychedelic pop and
gothic rock, with influences from
folk,
jazz,
blues,
baroque, and 1950s
rock and roll. His style has been described as "
idiosyncratic". As well as being a singer, Roland plays guitar and keyboards. Roland issued his first single, "Oscar Automobile", in 1979. In 1980 he released his debut album,
The Werewolf of London (originally credited to the Midnight Rags), inspired by
horror stories and
Edwardian era concerns. Ian Canty of
Louder Than War observed "a nice Garage Psych sound", adding that "at times this album could almost be superior New Wave pop like
XTC or
Magazine but it's always pulling in weirder directions". 1985's
Burnt Orchids was characterised by
Music Week as a "pleasing early Pink Floyd|[Pink] Floydish collection"; Roland considers it his first "authentic" or "real" album. Appraising
Danse Macabre,
Progs
Kris Needs referred to "horror-psych masterworks" including "Witchfinder General", "Requiem", "Twilight of the Gods" and the "hallucinogenic waft" of the title track, as well as an "uncanny" cover version of Pink Floyd's "
Matilda Mother".
Music & Media observed
Victorian era themes throughout the "fascinating"
Masque (1990), and suggested that "pop music in the
Middle Ages" would have resembled 1991's
Roaring Boys. Roland continued to write and record until 1997, when he halted his music career for seven years. This was due to the collapse of several record labels to which he was signed. During this hiatus he concentrated on his writing career and raising his children.
Grimm (2011), based on tales by the
Brothers Grimm, saw Roland play all the instruments by himself; it was described by Andrew Young of
Ptolemaic Terrascope as "one of the strongest albums in Paul Roland's quite extensive catalogue". Recorded mainly in Italy, the album was well-received by Italian magazine
Blow Up, who named it "album of the month". It was produced by Max Marchini (who also played bass), and includes guest appearances by several Italian artists. "Mambo Jo" also featured as the title track of a simultaneously released EP. The new band released the first official live album by Paul Roland on September 6, 2025, the day of his 66th birthday. The album called "Live at Raindogs House" is recorded live in Savona, Italy and very well represent the band, as the notes state, live and raw and witness the extraordinary energy of this band, as Roland write in the liner notes, probably the best I ever had. The production is by Max Marchini for Dark Companion's Unifaun Production with Annie Barbazza's strong musical direction. Roland has amassed an extremely large discography. Kris Needs referred to a "vast catalogue" representing a "creative maze which continues to expand".
Cherry Red Records assumed responsibility for his catalogue in the mid 2010s.
Reception and legacy Roland is recognised as an "
underground" artist within the psychedelic sphere;
Music Week dubbed him a "psychedelic cult celebrity". In 2010, Marco Rossi of
Record Collector described Roland as "a cherished figure on the gothic rock and psychpop periphery for 30 years", while praising his "impeccable narratives". Roland has been credited with inventing
steampunk music; Vernian Process founder Joshua Pfeiffer asserted, "If anyone deserves credit for spearheading steampunk music, it is [Roland]. He was one of the inspirations I had in starting my project. He was writing songs about the first attempt at manned flight, and an Edwardian airship raid in the mid-80s long before almost anyone else." Roland was also influential on rock band
Temples. Roland's work has been generally well-received by critics throughout his career. ==Writing career==