New York City is often the host of sonic breeding for musical creations, and has done so once more with the newest music to come out of Richie James Follin: Guards. Last year, Follin returned from a European tour and began toying with the beginnings of what eventually became Guards, which he self-produced, mixed, and recorded in New York City. He originally intended for his younger sister to sing the tracks, but it soon became a one-man-band effort with help from some talented friends. Guards is slowly but surely gaining a respected reputation and is expected to develop establishment within the indie music scene in the upcoming year.

Originally from Southern California, Follin began touring and recording in 2002 at age 19 with his ensemble band, The Willowz, for which he sings and plays guitar. Though not a strong departure from Willowz, Guards has a more drawn out sound within its debut ep of the same name. This is not a bad thing, however, as pop remnants of a time gone by carry the songs throughout. The vocals are reflective of the feeling within bold and simplistic lyrics.