And here it is: The new single and the first release to feature the new line-up. Big Thanks to Big Stir Records of Burbank California for having us in their exceptionally good catalogue, it is a pleasure to be there and without further ado here is their press release:
'The next BIG STIR DIGITAL SINGLE comes to you from The Speed of Sound, who have many fine releases headed your way. We’re proud to showcase the wonderfully original band that come to us all the way from Manchester England! We showcase two fine recordings for your listening pleasure: “I See You” backed with “Seen It All Before” will be released Friday, October 25, and this wonderful pair of songs is available for pre-order now! (As always at: www.bigstirrecords.com/big-stir-digital-singles)
Formed in the rainy city of Manchester UK, thirty years ago (with a pre-history dating directly back to the day Andy Warhol died in 1987), The Speed Of Sound ventures across the pond to California with an exclusive new recording released digitally as Big Stir Records’ Digital Single Of The Week. The catchy track “I See You,” (a McGuinn/Crosby song) is the first cover version The Speed Of Sound has released in seven years! This powerful pop pleasantry is paired with an acoustic rendition of their original “Seen It All Before”. These original underground independent veterans have a busy 2020 ahead of them with an EP. Next year will bring a double-A-side single plus there is a brand-new full-length new album on the way! Lord Litter, DJ extraordinaire from Berlin, (and also on California’s Sonoma County’s KWTF) described The Speed Of Sound as, “A cool mix of punk and The Byrds’ 5th Dimension LP!”. Appropriately, the natural beauty and order of the alphabet places The Speed of Sound between Sonic Youth and Dusty Springfield. The band brings an original, distinctive, and identifiable sound - impossibly described as “like The Stranglers” and “like Jefferson Airplane” by different people simultaneously watching the same gig!
Since their first release in 1989, they have produced hard-edged music filled with optimism and a lyrical bite merged with a DIY ethos derived from punk, topped with a lust for experimentation taken from the best of psychedelia. The sound is enhanced by their long-term creative partnership with both Manchester’s Vibratone Sound Studio and their new collaboration with visual artist Local Hotel Parking.
The Speed Of Sound
John Armstrong – Songwriting/Guitars/Vocals: John has developed a vivid style of guitar playing born from combining lead and rhythm techniques in a flow that pulls the music like an ocean tide steeped in unresolved chords that beautifully underscore John’s entrancing vocals.
Ann-Marie Crowley – Vocals/Guitars: Ann-Marie returns the listener to the 1989-era format of dual lead vocals and male/female harmonies. She hadn’t performed rock based music before joining The Speed Of Sound. Ann-Marie brings her vast experience of Irish, folk and classical singing.
Kevin Roache – Bass guitar: Kevin has performed with John since 1990. Kevin contributes a wide understanding of different genres including music of Indian origin. He has a unique, beautiful and wholly individual outlook when it comes to playing the bass.
John Broadhurst – Drums: John brought his wealth of skills to The Speed Of Sound in August 2018. He is effortlessly comfortable playing jazz, pop, rock or blues. John has the ability to play within the spaces or straight down the centre. He finds the freedom of playing originals to be liberating while the fluid and improvisational sections are something he embraces and relishes.
Paul Worthington – Drums: Paul played in The Speed Of Sound from May 2015 to May 2017 and can be heard on “Seen It All Before” and the highly acclaimed “Everything Changes” album.'
Yes. It is exciting.
