SPEED release new album ONLY ONE MODE on Flatspot Records + Last Ride Records

SPEED release new album ONLY ONE MODE on Flatspot Records + Last Ride Records

Photo Credit: James Hartley

“It’s an ode to a time-tested formula and a timeless feeling that makes generation after generation feel like they’re part of something real, and Speed inject fresh new blood into it.” – BrooklynVegan

“On their new album, ‘Only One Mode,’ Speed are rising to hardcore’s current moment and championing the sound of Sydney.” – Grammy.com

“Packaged with impassioned lyrics, powerful riffage and the kind of dynamic breakdowns that have come to define the band’s sound, Speed speak to their unwavering allegiance to the culture and community of hardcore.” – Knotfest

“SPEED are the real deal, that much has been clear from the beginning, and this LP should and no doubt will be remembered as one of the defining records of a truly fantastic era of hardcore.” – Distorted Sound

“This is music designed to whip up wild mosh-pit action, and it will do exactly this.” – Stereogum

“Brutal but motivational hardcore” – Alternative Press

SPEED and hardcore are two words that have become synonymous on a global scale. The Sydney, Australia based band have staked claim on the genre through exhilarating live performances, epic music videos, and staying true to themselves. Today, the five-piece release the new album ONLY ONE MODE out through Flatspot Records (USA) and Last Ride Records (AUS). The debut exemplifies the band’s growth while still delivering the SPEED ethos. This is what they’re about: Hardcore, played hard, played fast, “for us, by us”—explicit, immediate, definitive—hinting at all the crucial bands that have come before them.

Lyrics on ONLY ONE MODE embrace perspectives, channeling everything from the loyalty and realness they’ve learnt from hardcore to some of the band’s most vulnerable output yet. It’s a manual that explains SPEED’s beliefs, the five guys’ personalities, what they bring to the table, and what’s special about their scene. The album was produced by Elliott Gallart, vocalist Jem Siow’s oldest high school friend; Jack Rudder, a longtime partner and collaborator, has directed all of SPEED’s music videos. The cover photo was taken by James Hartley, the prolific Australian hardcore photographer from the 2000s, when SPEED first started, as young hardcore kids, going to shows.

This is a hardcore band from Australia who surpassed what they thought they might do at the start, and has since doubled down, ONLY ONE MODE, as fast and as hard as possible. SPEED are doing what they do for the love of their friends, family and the culture of Australian hardcore. They’re under the global spotlight for now, bright enough that their whole scene’s right there with them.

You can stream ONLY ONE MODE HERE and purchase it through Flatspot Records.

SPEED will play a sold out record release show in Los Angeles, CA at The Belasco tonight, then make their way to the east coast U.S. for shows in New York and Massachusetts supporting Have Heart. In August the band have a headline tour across Australia, followed by North American headline tour in September. Full dates below.

SPEED is Jem Siow (vocals), Aaron Siow (bass), Josh Clayton (guitar), Dennis Vichidvongsa (guitar), and Kane Vardon (drums).