Australian hardcore group SPEED released their two song flexi titled 2020 Flex for Flatspot Records today, marking their debut for the US label. Across two tracks, SPEED wastes no time living up to their name through grooving and grindingly heavy hardcore that calls to mind the classics like Madball and Biohazard. Also in line with their name is their mission to continually move forward and reject complacency. TO celebrate, we have teaed up with a special feature, including their first-hand commeentary on their project, new music, future plans, and their take on Croronavirus outbreak, anti-racist protests, punk scene in Australia, and more!
Both new songs further that agenda from different angles, while βA Dumb Dog Gets Floggedβ warn against the dangers of idle speech, stressing the importance of practicing what one preaches, βDevil U Knowβ deems a strong moral foundation as a true mark of strength, comparing complacency and nihilism to a sickness. With so much happening for a relatively young band, itβs clear SPEED has no plans to slow down and are on course to continue their mission.
Comments the band:
β2020 FLEXβ is our way of charging forward amidst the chaos and social injustice that permeates the world. Weβre proud of our identity and beliefs – itβs a flag we carry through these songs and a taste of whatβs to come.
A Dumb Dog Gets Flogged was born in reaction to the continual failed leadership of our government. Compassion and empathy must found the basis of any meaningful action. Stop running your mouth and put your morals into action.
Devil U Know is about cowards who fear progress and positive cultural change in this world. Itβs a gee up to those who fight for social justice in the face of continual oppression and helplessness. Look inside yourself before talking shit on those who impede on your false sense of security.
2020 Flex is available now on Bandcamp or Spotify and physical orders are available from Flatspot Records here on blue flexi vinyl and from Last Ride Records in Australia here on red flexi vinyl. SPEED, Flatspot Records, and Last Ride Records are donating all webstore pre-order profits from the release with 50% going to The Bail Project in the US and 50% going to Sisters Inside in Australia. Also, this Friday Flatspot Records will be joining Bandcamp in solidarity by donating 100% of the profits from their Bandcamp page on the label’s entire catalog to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, including SPEED’s 2020 Flex.
Formed in 2019, Sydneyβs SPEED is an injection of vital energy into the hardcore scenes of both Australia and the world at large with a clear-cut mission: to positively grow the hardcore scene by challenging cultural norms, embracing diversity, and promoting compassion across political and racial lines.
The majority of SPEEDβs members are of Southeast Asian descent; drawing strength from its members diverse cultural perspectives, SPEED makes 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. Working closely with local streetwear brands and musical crews across genres as well as their own Forge Ahead Podcast that highlights members of their community, SPEED embodies the messages of inclusivity and cultural unity that are as foundational to hardcore as the music ever was.
Returning with the follow-up to their 2019 debut demo on Last Ride Records, SPEED presents two new tracks of grooving and grinding hardcore, set to be released on flexi vinyl through Last Ride Records in Australia and Flatspot Records everywhere else. In spite of their recent arrival onto the scene, SPEED has already shared the stage with a diverse list of bands, ranging from hardcore giants Terror to local hip-hop acts like Posseshot and Haz. As the world seems to grind to a halt and individuals become more isolated than ever before, SPEED rejects the alienation and chooses to march confidently into our new future with a message of unity, solidarity, and progress for all who fight for it.
George Floyd, Black Lives Matter and anti-racist protest
Racism permeates all levels of society around the world. Itβs built into the fabric of culture. Culture, behaviours and values are developed through time and generations, and much of this is formed upon ignorance.
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It needs to happen in a huge way for justice to prevail and a true sense equality to exist. Australia is a western country built upon racism and oppression of our indigenous ancestors, who have never fully conceded justice for their land and people. Itβs a crime which perpetuates today, and I hope people continue to wake up and better themselves in light of events like these.
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Itβs really hammered home how intrinsic our ideology and ethics are to this culture. Hardcore continually empowers my worldview and challenges me to be a better person – itβs something I feel very grateful to have in my life and makes me all the more passionate about what we do and how we do it.
COVID-19 pandemic
As fucked up as this whole situation is, there are many silver linings that Iβve come to realise. I think this period has been a great exercise for reflection for most, and in Australia thereβs been a huge reinvigoration of enthusiasm for hardcore. People seemed to have realised whatβs truly meaningful for them and this seems to be a uniting factor for most. I also hope that this period has helped people realise how essential the music industry is in society.
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Your local scene:
There was a period where Australian hardcore was massive, but unfortunately took a dive in the last 5 years. Bands broke up, people fell out, and those who stayed were the ones who truly loved and cared for the music and community. I think with that came a shared sense of unity, appreciation for what we have and a desire to re-grow the culture in a more positive way. Itβs been coming back hugely in the last year – really inspiring conversations have been made, more contribution and involvement from all corners of the community has happened and a greater sense of recognition from the outside world.
πβπ πππππ‘ππ‘π¦ ππ π΄π’π π‘ππππππ βπππππππ ππ πππ’ππππ ππ πππ£πππ ππ‘π¦ – π€πβππ π€πππ‘πππ ππ’π ππ€π ππ’ππ‘π’ππ πππ ππ‘βπ πππ€ ππππππππ‘ππ ππππ π‘βππ ππ£ππ.
The world is gonna know about is in 2020 and the years to come.
Other bands worth a check: Primitive Blast, Rapid Dye, The Chain, World View, Broken, Fuse (Singapore), Whispers (Thailand)
