Review: “2020 Flex” by Speed

Formed in 2019 in Sydney Australia, Speed are a Hardcore band marking their debut in the US via Flatspot Records and making it a point to stand up not only against racism and xenophobia but also the toxic masculinity and gender prejudices that have crept their way into hardcore by having at their core the  embodiment of messages of inclusivity and cultural unity that are as foundational to hardcore. Their hard work and ethos has earned them the opportunity to share the stage with a diverse list of bands, ranging from hardcore giants Terror and local hip-hop acts like Posseshot.

Opening up the floor with “A Dumb Dog Gets Flogged“, a pummelling rhythmic track that has its roots firmly in 90s Hardcore with that Metallic edge that bands like SeeYouSpaceCowboy and Sanction are bringing to the table and influenced by genre heavy hitters like Earth Crisis, Biohazard and Madball. It’s a ripper that uses a stepped slow down and rap screamed lyrics to great effect. Abrasive Staccato riffs galore are the backbone of “Devil U Know“, which stay in the same territory while introducing gang chants with the venomous groove and biting spit, while keeping that pace that makes you want to move and push the person next to you in the nicest possible way. Speed aren’t only going to be the next biggest Australian export, but your new favourite Hardcore act. The ethos wins the awards, the sound turns the heads. When you’ve got a message, you need to have the quality to be able to back it up to keep peoples attention and Speed have that in abundance [8/10]

Track listing

1. A Dumb Dog Gets Flogged
2. Devil U Know

“2020 Flex” by Speed is out now via Flatspot Records and available over at bandcamp.