By Jim Rowland
Back in June 2020, when we were all still firmly locked down, London power pop merchants The Speedways gave us a much needed feel good hit of the summer in the shape of their last album ‘Radio Sounds’. Now they’re back with another shot of the feel good factor with their new album which may just make them the talk of the town…
The likes of ‘Secret Secrets’, ‘Kiss Me Goodbye’, ‘A Song Called Jayne & A Lie Called Love’ and current single ‘Shoulda Known’ are all the kind of well written, quirky and catchy slices of power pop you would come to expect from The Speedways, whilst ‘Dead From The Heart Down’ and ‘Summer’s Over’ have a slightly more big riffing rock feel to them, with the latter actually having the air of vintage Hanoi Rocks in one of their more poppy moments.
The album closer ‘Wrong Place Wrong Time’ goes a little more in a rock direction than the band have done before, utilising a twin guitar attack reminiscent of the classic days of Thin Lizzy in places, which works a treat.
For me, the album peaks in the middle with the sumptuous synth-soaked new wave rock of ‘Strange Love’ and the huge sounding, quirky and slightly more complex ‘Weekend 155’, both real highlights. Just as good is the title track, ‘Talk Of The Town’, a soulful, upbeat slice of catchy power pop that sums up everything that is great about The Speedways.
On a par with the previous ‘Radio Sounds’ album, and with a little bit more diversity and new sounds thrown in, ‘Talk Of The Town’ once again proves that when it comes to authentic new wave/power pop styled rock, you won’t find many better bands out there than The Speedways.
- ‘Talk Of The Town’ is released on 12 December. You can get your copy HERE.
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