The Springfield, Illinois band No Guard makes the kind of oi that really, really goes over well at a hardcore show. They’ve got speed and muscle and anthemic hooks, and they bring a rare combination of style and passion to what they do. I haven’t seen them live yet, but reports have been rapturous. Just in the past few months, they’ve toured with bands like Angel Du$t and Spiritual Cramp, and that’s before they’ve gotten around to putting out an album.

No Guard released their demo in 2023, and they followed it with the 2024 EP War Over Me and with Shirts Vs. Skins, a split EP with Haywire that came out last year. Now, No Guard are getting ready to release their full-length debut on the hardcore powerhouses Triple B and DAZE, and they’ve got a new two-song promo tape out today. “Half The Man I Am” is a big ol’ anthemic stomp with a bit of a surf riff, and “Burden Of Life” is faster and more melodic. Both songs are catchy and fun and intense, and both of them make me think that this album is going to be special. Listen below.