The New Trust

Originally assembled in Santa Rosa, California, the New Trust functioned as a post-hardcore supergroup that brought together Josh Staples of the Velvet Teen, who handled bass and vocals, alongside lead guitarist Michael Richardson of Benton Falls. Guitarist Sara Sanger, Staples’ wife, who admitted she possessed minimal guitar skills at the band’s inception, and drummer Julia Lancer rounded out the initial roster. After inking a deal with Slowdance, the group issued its first recording in 2004, the album We Are Fast-Moving Motherfuckers. We Are Women and Men of Action. The remainder of that release’s front cover displayed an extended, largely indecipherable band manifesto, perhaps unintentionally echoing the layout XTC employed for Go 2. Following the debut’s appearance, the group entered a phase of internal flux, an experience alluded to in the evocative title of its 2007 successor. Richardson contributed to Dark Is the Path Which Lies Before Us, yet in a diminished capacity, and his exit was disclosed at the same time the album surfaced. Michael Izen stepped in as the replacement guitarist; he continues to play in the Polar Bears as well.