No Guard, from Springfield, Illinois, landed on No Echo's "Newer Hardcore Bands to Watch in 2026" list earlier this year, propelled by their split with Haywire. Sharing a release with one of hardcore's most visible bands brought new listeners, but guitarist Jack sustains the focus grounded.
"Obviously, Haywire is a band with a lot of eyes on them right now, and putting the split out with them definitely put some new eyes on us," he tells me. "But if 10 people saw it or 10,000 people saw it, I'm just happy we were able to put out a record with some great friends."
That perspective runs through No Guard's music. The band remains rooted in hardcore, but their sound has shifted since their 2024 EP War Over Me. "I would say even since War Over Me, we have been leaning more into a post-punk sound," Jack explains. "I think we keep a good balance with it. On the promo we just put out, there's a pretty post-punk song to open and then more of an anthem to close it out, but it still holds the element."
Generación Suicida from Los Angeles is recognized as an influence, but Jack sees No Guard as paving their own path. "Overall, I think we hold a style of our own for the most part."
No Guard's most recent release is a two-song promo, and I've been obsessed with its second track, "Burden of Life," since Triple B Records dropped it a few weeks ago. The song's new wave-meets-punk guitar hook is absolutely irresistible, and I haven't been able to stop playing it. As of this writing, it's my favorite song of 2026:
Jack says these new tracks weren't planned as a separate release. They came together late in the writing for No Guard's upcoming debut full-length LP. "The two songs on the promo quite honestly were later ones we've written for the record and kind of just the freshest in our minds," the guitarist says. "Again, I think a good mix is important, and the two songs fit very well together while being different."
One of the aspects I appreciate about the Illinois outfit is how they ride the stylistic lines between hardcore, melodic punk, and Oi!, sometimes within the span of a single song. Jack promises that the album will deliver on that sentiment. "The record feels pretty diverse in a lot of ways. All the songs are written. As of right now, we're just revisiting them all and making sure they're 100 percent to our liking. Even with the promo songs, there are things in there I wish I had done differently, and we want to have the opportunity to make those changes."
The recording process is changing as well. Brandon Carnes, who recorded No Guard's earlier material in Springfield, handled the promo tracks before Pete Grossman mixed them at Bricktop Studios. "For the LP, I believe we're just going to do it all up at Bricktop." Grossman's work at the Chicago studio can be heard on records by the likes of Weekend Nachos, Frail Body, and XweaponX.
"We're really focusing on the record," Jack tells me about their summer 2026 plans. "We have some shows and some other things I can't speak on at the moment, but you will see us around if you live in the US. Hopefully, next year you will see us outside of the US as well."
No Guard's growth has come alongside an upsurge of attention for Springfield's hardcore scene, which Jack credits to the collective work of the community. "The reason I feel you have covered Springfield a good amount recently is that it's such a group effort," he says after I tell him I've been showing love to other bands from his scene. "My favorite thing about this city is that there's no real divide as I see in other cities. We all get along and make things happen."
According to Jack, that cooperative spirit extends well beyond his own band. Members of No Guard, Prevention, Reject, Worldview, and Peoria's Totaled all help book shows. St. Louis promoter Volition brings hardcore events to the area, while Up to Us Records and Dumb Records in Springfield form the backbone of the scene.
"Right now I see Springfield as kind of an ideal scene," Jack says. "I don't mean to sound so full of myself, but it is truly what I believe." The guitarist points to new faces, active bands, and strong community relationships as proof. "It's full of kids right now that dance, are making bands, making friendships, and bettering their lives."
No Guard's touring has widened Jack's view of hardcore scenes around the country. "When I travel around, I feel like a lot of the time it’s a small group of people holding it all together and that is great, that’s how it used to be. But I am so so grateful that so many people want to be involved and love being a part of this city."
Jack tells me about a recent free generator show that he put together in a trail tunnel with some newer hardcore bands from the region. "Most notably to me was this kid who told me it was their first show and they were the first person to show up, already in great spirits."
Moments like that keep Jack encouraged about Springfield hardcore's future, even as he knows every scene shifts over time. "There will be an inevitable decline as it is still a relatively small Midwest city, and there will be people that grow out of it," he says. "But as of right now, it is heaven."
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