Speedial

(24th April) Blending intimacy with intensity, London four-piece Speedial today announce their debut EP 'Light Of The Late Night', set for release on 23rd May, and unveil new single 'An Altar' – a textured and introspective track exploring the complexity of faith and self-doubt.

“‘An Altar’ picks apart my relationship with religion,” says vocalist Serena. “I wasn't raised religiously but I've always held an agnostic view about religion. When writing An Altar I was playing a lot of Gospel outside of the band and got close with some religious musicians I'd met. I was almost envious of how much hope and insight it felt like they had. The perspective of the song is kind of me addressing God directly through music... The lyrics talk about yearning to be held and protected by something bigger than yourself, and asking for that faith to come to you but realising it can't be forced. I was listening to a lot of Sunny Day Real Estate at the time and researching Jeremy Enigk's personal journey with faith and hearing how that affected their music was really interesting to me. The song takes a lot of inspiration from them musically as well.”

Merging melodic post-rock, shoegaze, math rock, jazz fusion, and noise-rock, dual vocalists Serena Garrod and Millie Kirby layer fragile yet powerful harmonies over tightly constructed instrumental passages, joined by saxophonist Monarch Vavrechka and drummer Joe William Killick, whose dynamic technicality adds further depth.

Produced by Joseph Futak (Tapir!, lilo), the band's debut EP 'Light Of The Late Night' provides a tantalising glimpse of this interplay. A collection of songs evolving over the years through live performance and studio experimentation — from the tape-echo buzz of iPhone interference to re-amped vocals and new instrumental textures like harmonium, dulcimer and cello.

A collective of musicians who grew up playing together, Speedial's shared history is evident in their tight-knit sound. Firmly embedded in London’s thriving alternative scene, the band are regulars at The Windmill, The George Tavern, and The Shacklewell Arms, sharing stages with acts like Picture Parlour, Camera Picture (black midi), Ugly (UK), Dog Race, Jasper Llewellyn (from caroline), The Orchestra (For Now), Deep Tan, Automotion, amongst others.

Speedial's songwriting is a meticulous process of evolution. Songs are born in rehearsal rooms, then road-tested and refined live, allowing the band to organically discover what truly resonates. Their intricate arrangements, with precise tempo, meter, and dynamic shifts, aren't built on improvisation, but careful planning and structure.

"Much of our lyricism explores themes of self perception/villainy, yearning and mental struggles, as well as contrasting ideas such as retaliation/acceptance and isolation/suffocation. We wanted these themes to complement the complexity and atmospheric density of the instrumentals we make," the band add.

Whether it’s their meticulous writing process, genre-fluid sound, or deep-rooted chemistry, Speedial are carving out their own space within London’s thriving underground. Early support from CLASH, DIY Magazine, and Spotify’s Jazz UK playlist has marked them as a band to watch, and their debut EP is a striking statement of intent — immersive, detailed, dynamic, and sonically fearless.

Speedial's debut EP 'Light Of The Late Night' is out 23rd May. New single 'An Altar' is out now.