The Guests formed in 2015 when it was decided that the Philadelphia
far-left underground needed a suitable media platform (as if). The project had
to be engaging, drawing the people to its message, but dark, reflecting the
dismal current state of America. A pop band, drawing on post-punk and goth, was
decided as the medium, built on the obscure memory of a one-off New Order cover
band performance that Philadelphia residents Christian Vogan (vocals) and Alkis
Meimaris (guitar) had done while at school together in New York state. The line-up
was rounded out by brothers Hart and Kyle Seely on bass and drums respectively,
as well as synth player Florence Lin. Together, the Guests envision an
alternate, more revolutionary history of 80s-style jangle pop, built on the
rock-solid foundation of the Seely brothers' groove section. Focused guitar
hooks and soaring rushes of synth, provided by Meimaris and Lin respectively,
interlock atop this, giving breath and motion to Vogan's calls to arms,
battered landscapes and righteous indignations.