SPEED announces their upcoming EP, Gang Called Speed, out June 24th on Flatspot Records and Last Ride Records. Recorded with Elliott Gallart at Chameleon Studios, the six songs on the EP are centered around recognizing who you are in this world, taking ownership of that identity and not letting anyone tell you otherwise.

Speed have shared their new single “Move.” The track hits hard out the gate, accentuated by Jem’s tough as nails vocal delivery and a powerful mix of guitars. “Move” reaches an insane breaking point at 1:45, as the band basically entices the listener to mosh.

Speaking on the track, vocalist Jem expands:

“MOVE is about seeking yourself in life and embracing that journey unapologetically. It’s about accepting the diversity in human experiences and challenging yourself to grow with the people around you, no matter how different we may be. Cus really.. that is the essence of what makes this world beautiful. 8 billion people on this rock… not everyone’s gonna walk the same path, paint the same story or share the same vision. Keep breaking molds and chasing the clearest version of yourself that you aspire to. Those standing still and casting stones will just get left behind…”

Lead single “Not That Nice” captures the band’s no hold barred approach, highlighted by a blunt vocal delivery and intricate guitar work. The video for the song, filmed and edited by Jack Rudder, serves as a continuation of last year’s massive single “We See U” representing the vibrant world of the Sydney hardcore scene.

Speaking on writing “Not That Nice”, vocalist Jem expands:
“We wrote ‘Not That Nice’ in reaction to the Asian hate crimes born from the pandemic. The sad stories of innocent, good civilians falling victim to racial violence. I found myself thinking, ‘this is someone’s grandma, grandpa, mum, dad, child…’ Unfortunately, much of this stems from the often perverted portrayal of Asian stereotypes in the media. To be submissive, weak, passive, silent.. to the scared and uneducated few, the sad reality is that this rhetoric translates to oppression and real-world violence.

So, this song is simply about taking control of your own identity, writing your own narrative. I think the experience of misrepresentation is a common one for many. I feel privileged to live a life of confidence in speaking out and walking my own path… hopefully, this song in some way can empower others to feel a similar sense of courage.”

Composed of vocalist Jem, bassist Aaron Siow, guitarist Josh Clayton and Dennis Vichidvongsa, and drummer Kane Vardon, Speed showcase a tough exterior, but amplify their sense of identity and community in everything they do. Drawing influence from old school acts like Biohazard and Merauder just as much as bands like Trapped Under Ice, the band are putting forth pit-ready music that make it surprising they’ve only been able to play a handful of shows since their formation. That won’t last for long though as they have more performances planned, including their first trip to North America with an appearance at Sound and Fury in Los Angeles, alongside labelmates Scowl, Zulu, and more.

Gang Called Speed is available for vinyl pre-order now through Flatspot Records (US) and Last Ride Records (AUS).