Album review: Speed – ONLY ONE MODE

Scowl, GEL, Buggin… we’re truly spoilt for choice when it comes to excellent young hardcore bands in 2024. Sydney’s Speed are another superb addition to the genre’s contemporary canon, pairing the socially conscious lyrics of electric vocalist Jem Siow with a ferocious sonic backdrop. There’s a lot of hype around the five-piece right now, and ONLY ONE MODE delivers on that promise, with 10 tracks of imposing hardcore that prove why Speed are one of Australia’s, and hardcore’s, hottest new bands.

Beginning with the sound of pipes before giving way to some potent hardcore, opener REAL LIFE LOVE wastes no time in establishing the apocalyptic atmosphere Speed conjure throughout this album. There’s plenty of chugging riffs and zero-fucks-given attitude on display on the likes of DON’T NEED and I MEAN IT, while the band also showcase their more metal-leaning influences on the epic opening of NO LOVE BUT FOR OUR OWN.

The thick, bludgeoning sound of SHUT IT DOWN is another highlight, where the band’s guitars dovetail between stabbing riffs and a real sense of groove. The best of the bunch, though, is recent single THE FIRST TEST, where the band’s rhythm section and Jem’s vocals both really come to the fore. The instantly memorable lyrics of the chorus – ‘The first test, say ‘Fuck the rest’’ – suggest it is destined to become a surefire pit-starter in the coming years.

Ending with the cataclysmic CAUGHT IN A CRAZE, Speed’s efforts here leave an impression long after the chaos of ONLY ONE MODE concludes. Far from a mere craze, though, the quality and impact of these songs suggest Speed will be leading hardcore’s resurgence for the long-haul.

Verdict: 4/5

For fans of: GEL, Drain, Jivebomb

ONLY ONE MODE is out now via Flatspot