The Color Guard's new wave-inspired cheeky pop came together in 2000 with ex-Hissyfits guitarist Lalena Fissure. This Houston native had been making her way in the busy streets of New York City for almost a decade when Ann Arbor, MI, expatriate Jeanne Gilliland befriended her. Along with ex-Lefty drummer Jake Alrich and guitarist Nina 57, the Color Guard was born. A self-titled EP was issued in 2001; the following fall, Nina 57 left the group just as the band's proper studio full-length, Speech for Heated Hearts, was being released. Jazz fan/guitar player John Zisman was brought in as a replacement. ~ MacKenzie Wilson, All Music Guide