Emerging from London’s vibrant alt-music scene, Speedial is a four-piece that weaves together post-rock, shoegaze, math rock, jazz fusion, and noise-rock into a uniquely hypnotic sound. Think the raw energy of Deerhoof, the emotional depth of Big Thief, and the intricate complexity of Radiohead, fused with the cinematic textures of David Bowie’s Blackstar.
At the heart of Speedial’s sonic alchemy are dual vocalists Serena Garrod and Millie Kirby, whose harmonies float over a backdrop of meticulously crafted instrumental work. With Monarch Vavrechka’s expressive saxophone and Joe William Killick’s precise drumming, the band creates intricate compositions that defy convention. Produced by Joseph Futak (Tapir!, lilo), Tourist showcases their signature interplay, with Serena describing its lyrics as capturing “an exaggerated ‘evil’ version of myself.”
On Tourist, Serena shares:
“When I feel guilty about something, my mind spirals. One bad decision can suddenly make you think people see you in the worst possible way. Writing this song was cathartic—it let me put those thoughts into words and realize that’s not really me. I wanted the lyrics to be stark and direct. Normally, I get lost in flowery language and make my lyrics opaque, but for ‘Tourist,’ I refused to hide behind that.”
A Band Forged in London’s Alternative Scene
Speedial isn’t just another band—they’re a collective of musicians with a deep-rooted history of playing together. Their chemistry is unmistakable, a connection honed on the stages of London’s underground venues like The Windmill, The George Tavern, and The Shacklewell Arms. They’ve recently shared bills with Picture Parlour, Camera Picture (black midi), Ugly (UK), Dog Race, The Orchestra (For Now), Deep Tan, Automotion, and more.
Their songwriting is a slow-burn process of evolution—ideas emerge in rehearsal rooms, tested and reshaped through live performance until they reach their final form. The band meticulously crafts every tempo shift, every dynamic build, ensuring that each track is the perfect balance of structure and emotional rawness.
“Much of our lyricism explores self-perception, villainy, yearning, and mental struggles—contrasting ideas like retaliation vs. acceptance and isolation vs. suffocation. We wanted these themes to complement the complexity and atmosphere of our instrumentals.”
Every Speedial song is a living, breathing entity, continuously refined through collaboration. Serena and Millie shape melodies and lyrics separately before bringing them back to the band, where the final pieces fall into place. This methodical, layered approach results in music that is as intricate as it is immersive.
Catch Speedial Live
Upcoming Shows:
- 18th April – London, Sebright Arms
- 20th April – London, Victoria Dalston (All-Dayer)
- 6th June – Brighton, The Hope & Ruin (w/ Pozi, For Breakfast)
- 27th July – London, High Tide Festival
Tourist is out now. Stream it, watch it, and catch Speedial live to experience it in full force.
Follow Speedial:
Instagram: @speedialband
TikTok: @speedialband
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