Album Review: Guards - In Guards We Trust

It is hard to assess In Guards We Trust, the debut record by Richie Follin's solo project turned band, Guards. As sibling to Madeline Follin (of Cults fame), it can be assumed that his music will be filled with the same insistent, hook-overloaded indie pop gems. And it is. Yet there's one thing missing that ultimately leaves the album flat – a lack of true personality.

Things start promisingly with Nightmare, a song that revels in its darker moments and fervour. After this though, it's hard to differentiate from many of the tracks on offer. The modus operandi is firmly set in stone – exploitative hooks, stadium level guitar wash, echoed backing vocals, vague verses that lead into OTT choruses, whistling here and there… There's nary an original thought to be found. These tunes are ready-made for the pretty young things that beg for a sunny afternoon so as to jump around in a park, hair flailing, beads jangling, cider spilling over plastic cups, Instagram at the ready.

By the time I Know It's You arrives with its new wave posturing, buzzsaw guitar and forlorn vibe, it feels like the second half of the album might break the trend – but then that chorus with its bells and chiming vocal gaiety kicks in again. And again. And again…

In Guards We Trust is manipulative indie pap that's manufactured for the slaves to fashion, advertising and summer festivals. Combined with the incessant promotional spiel, it's almost dystopian in its relentless take on opium for the masses. And while Richie and Madeline Follin are two peas in a pod, at least Cults came up with Come Outside. Do not trust these Guards.