“The truth defines the last breath you take.”
If you’re even remotely interested in the hardcore scene then you’re bound to have heard of Speed. The Sydney based hardcore outfit exploded onto the scene within recent years, and have seen steady growth ever since. Notably, 2022’s Gang Called Speed EP made waves for them, and truly showed the world what they are capable of. Two years later, Speed are about to release their debut album, and hopes could not be any higher.
From the get-go, I’ll make one thing clear; ONLY ONE MODE delivers on every possible expectation, with the band easily putting out some of their best material to date. Fast paced, danceable riffs, combined with their signature vocals, and a few extra surprises along the way, it’s hard to argue that Speed are not bound for success. Juxtaposed with the incredibly poignant lyricism that their general philosophy as a band, and the struggles which they have faced, it’s clear that Speed have poured their all into this release.
One thing that is abundantly clear throughout this record is that the band has an incredibly strong bond, both with one-another but also their wider community as a whole, and that their morals are an integral part of upholding this. Take “NO LOVE BUT FOR OUR OWN” for example, where the band addresses internal struggles, respect, and fighting for what you believe in. Here we see the band focus specifically on that community bond aspect, and how once respect is earned, they are willing to fight side-by-side to protect their friends and beliefs.
“No fear, no tears I owe
I know there’s no love but for our own
End note, this parable shows
To treat your friends like gold
The foes can rust alone”
The band are also renowned for their addressing of social and political topics, such as immigration and racism, and this is something that persists again throughout the album. “ONLY FOES…” sees the band tackling the dysphoria that can come from being a part of an immigrant community in your home country, and the anger born from the prejudice of bigots. Now more than ever, this is truly something that needs to be continually addressed, and the band handles it in a fantastic way, truly encapsulating the anger born from feeling like an outsider in your own home.
Sonically, the band have grown from their earlier material, incorporating a wider range of influences into their sound. Fans who have been keeping up with the release rollout for ONLY ONE MODE will already be aware of the obscure introduction of a flute on the track “THE FIRST TEST“, however, they will not be aware that this instrument appears elsewhere throughout the album also. On paper, this is something that really should not work, yet Speed manages to make it look easy, incorporating the instrument whilst maintaining their hard-hitting sound. Not to mention the addition of guitar solos which crop up from time to time and really keep the sound fresh. There’s also a few group vocal singing portions strewn across the record, which are bound to elicit a reaction from the crowd at live shows.
Overall, it’s hard to argue that Speed is not a force to be reckoned with, and with the release of ONLY ONE MODE, the band have their sights set on greatness. Addressing incredibly important topics, creating a signature style that is instantly identifiable as their own, and putting a fresh spin on the genre, Speed have crafted a masterpiece which demands your attention at every step of the journey.
9/10
ONLY ONE MODE releases through Flatspot and Last Ride records on the 12th July and can be pre-ordered here.