In Guards We Trust

The band released their first full-length album “In Guards We Trust" in 2013. The Wall Street Journal touted the record as “one of the years best albums.”, and Pitchfork proclaimed “...slack verses with palm-muted guitars give way to a monster chorus delivered with the confidence that tells you Guards know they have a hit on their hands.” .[1] The NME would refer to the band as “Cali reverb scuzz kings”.[2] NPR stated, “At a time in music when pop, rock, country and hip-hop acts all strain to create anthems that will inspire sing- along devotion in large-size audiences, Guards — a band that's only been around for a few years and has released comparatively little music — is already well on its way to giving the anthem form more interest and gravitas than musicians with far more experience.”.[3] Stereogum added in their review of the album, “...widescreen indie-pop garnished with epic hooks and hum-along melodies...[the album] takes a simple new-wave riff and builds layers upon it, reaching soaring, cinematic climaxes on the chorus, showcasing singer Richie Follin’s yearning vocal, always in service of the song's central and indelible hook.”[4] The Los Angeles Times proclaimed, “Guards toy with loud-soft dynamics, and touch on pastel harmonies and thick, almost ‘60s garage rock riffs, but it’s the back and forth between keyboardist Kaylie Church and Richie Follin that sets the group apart.”. IFC premiered the band's video for "Silver lining" and stated, “It’s a boisterous and driving track that shows Guards doing what it does best: Making raucous rock with a retro edge and undeniable appeal.”[5]

Guards toured worldwide the entire year in support of their debut album opening for such acts as Queens of the Stone Age, MGMT, Two Door Cinema Club, Palma Violets, and playing such festivals as Coachella, Lollapalooza, and Primavera Sound.

The song "I Know It's You" off the album was featured in FIFA 14 and in the film Endless Love. The song "Silver Lining" is featured in the BIG 10 "Maps" television commercial.

All tracks are written by Richie Follin, unless otherwise noted.