Vocalist Jem and guitarist Josh Clayton check in with Hardlore ahead of their first show on U.S. soil to discuss how they are ready put on for the culture.
It would be unimaginable that a band with maybe a dozen live shows and a catalog that consist of a handful of singles and a freshly pressed debut would make such a profound impact that they would be recruited from Australia to make this US debut with such fanfare – then again, the wall of sound that towers when SPEED is onstage is almost an unimaginable.
Kicking a hole in the Sydney hardcore scene such that the band made waves across the globe in the U.S., a gang called Speed have emerged as leaders of the new school with their recent Flatspot Records debut of the same name. First earning attention in 2020 with their brand of audio volatility, the heavy hitters have since rode their momentum, releasing their introductory album and parlaying their short but significant live resume into one of the most discussed sets from this year’s Sound and Fury Festival.
Showcasing a pedigree along the lines of Merauder, Earth Crisis and Integrity, the band’s brand of beatdown is one that has resonated with fans both home and abroad, as SPEED stock continues to soar much like their namesake would suggest.
Following the band’s memorable, maniacal live set at Sound and Fury Festival, vocalist Jem and guitarist Josh Clayton checked with Colin Young and Bo Lueders of the Hardlore podcast to discuss the band’s trajectory and their unwavering love for the culture and crush of hardcore.
In the enthusiastic discussion, Jem and Josh did little to contain their excitement both with the result of the performance and in sharing the kind of fulfillment they got from being both a fan and a participant in the music they have been so dedicated to. Gushing over the love, the enthusiasm and the authenticity of the community, the guys were nothing short of elated with the opportunity to be able to make such a lasting impression on such a revered stage.
The guys also spoke about the unique communal quality of hardcore in that bands do well in championing other bands. The ego factor is minimal in that your favorite band is usually approachable, down to earth and realizes they are a part of a greater group rather than towering above it.
As for the significance of Sound and Fury, that was not lost on anyone with all four talking heads in the discussion regarding it as legendary and the gold standard of the genre. In fact, Bo would draw attention to the fact that after the first time Harm’s Way played Sound and Fury in 2012, his band shortly there after was able to tour Australia based on the buzz of that outing – an interesting full circle moment in the discussion.
Rounding out the discussion with an important fact, Jem again shared how experiencing American hardcore was very much a bucket list item when the initial formation of Speed was set into motion. Conceding that it would have probably meant taking on a tough touring spot with long drives, van sleep and truck stop food, he said that to have the festival be their first American experience was nothing short of a blessing – adding that the Australian band got to play Los Angeles before their native Brisbane.
Stream the full interview with Jem and Josh Clayton of Speed on the latest HardLore below. A Gang Called Speed is currently available via Flatspot Records – HERE
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