Bodyguard | photo courtesy of the artist
Bodyguard mixes emo electronica and R&B on “Truster”
Philadelphia electronic pop duo Bodyguard is at a place of anxiety and uncertainty in its debut single “Truster,” but it has an answer. As nocturnal snythesizer lines drive and pulse and drum pad beats click, co singers and songwriters Matt Hampson and Megan Gouda reflect on feelings of inadequacy while also resolving to not dwell on things that cannot be changed. In their view, the best way forward is by surrendering to chance: “didn’t look at sides of the coin, just started flippin’,” they sing. “Didn’t check on both my shoes, just started trippin’.”
The duo will make its live debut this Thursday at Boot & Saddle, opening for Cave People and premiering songs from their forthcoming EP, Allow Yourself In The Frame. Between the two of them, Hampson and Gouda have played live and recorded with Power Animal, Hello Shark, Worshyper, Nervous Dater and Whaler, and sees this new project as a crossroads between the underground and pop, between emo and R&B, between Wicca Phase and Frank Ocean. As the band writes us:
The name Bodyguard hopes to evoke a sense of support, alliance and emotional safety. Drawing equal sonic influence from Meek Mill & Big Thief, they keep ideas minimal, to the point, and vocal-forward. Bodyguard aims to cloak and protect the listener at a time when life is hard for nearly everyone.
Listen to “Truster” below, and get tickets and more information on the band’s Boot & Saddle show this Thursday with Cave People and Petal at the XPN Concert Calendar.