Brooklyn-based garage-rock wonders Guards come to Philly in support of the band’s first full-length, In Guards We Trust (Black Bell Records and Velvet Vision), due out in February. Guards matches sometimes-chirpy, sometimes-mumbling and sometimes-wailing vocals with clinking, drum-heavy tracks and vigorous hooks, complete with perky sleigh bells. “Silver Lining” is a demonstration of the influence of the cheeriest elements of surf-rock and slinkiest elements of power-pop without being a regurgitation of either. Instead, the band forges its own sound from these inspirations and layers on sincere lyrics and old-school rock catchiness while avoiding eye-rolling self-indulgence. It remains simple, noisy and self-aware: In other words, perfect mood music for flirting with Gidget at the beach.
Fri., Dec. 7, 7:30 p.m., $10, with Teen and Black Brick, Kung Fu Necktie, 1250 N. Front St., 215-291-4919, kungfunecktie.com.
