Only One Mode is the debut studio album by Australian hardcore punk band Speed, announced in April 2024 and released on 12 July 2024.[4]

Only One Mode
Studio album by
Released12 July 2024 (2024-07-12)
StudioThe Chameleon
Length23:51
Label
  • Last Ride
  • Flatspot
ProducerElliott Gallart
Speed chronology
Gang Called Speed
(2022)
Only One Mode
(2024)
Singles from Only One Mode
  1. "Real Life Love"
    Released: 3 May 2024[1]
  2. "The First Test"
    Released: 31 May 2024[2]
  3. "Don't Need"
    Released: 21 June 2024[3]

The album was supported by a tour across the US, UK, Europe and Australia between June and August 2024.[5]

At the 2024 ARIA Music Awards, the album won the ARIA Award for Best Hard Rock or Heavy Metal Album and was nominated for Best Group.[6]

At the 2024 J Awards, the album was nominated for Australian Album of the Year.[7]

Singles

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The album's lead single "Real Life Love" was released on 3 May 2024, with Aastik Bairagi from saying "[it] has tough vocals and an amazing soundscape that makes the song one of a kind."[8] The album's second single "The First Test" was released on 31 May 2024. The song features band member Jem Siow playing a flute.[9] The song's lyrics are about marginalised people.[10]

Critical reception

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Alex Callen from Forte Magazine said "The group delivers one of the most original and refreshing takes on hardcore since its origins in the 80s and 90s". Callen continued saying "If they've got something to say, they don't shy away from it."[11]

Conor Lochrie from Brag Media said the album "...finds the Sydney band at their most vulnerable yet, with the lyrics exploring what's special about the five-piece's beloved hardcore scene."[12]

Al Newstead said "Speed is the real deal, and Only One Mode is a crowning achievement in what will be remembered as a defining era of hardcore, honouring its roots while pushing the scene forward."[13]

Track listing

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All tracks are written by Jem Siow.

Only One Mode track listing
No.TitleLength
1."Real Life Love"3:02
2."Don't Need"2:43
3."No Love But for Our Own"2:53
4."Only Foes..."1:09
5."The First Test"2:14
6."Kill Cap"3:01
7."Send Them 2 Sydney"1:20
8."Shut It Down"2:00
9."I Mean It"2:03
10."Caught in a Craze"3:26
Total length:23:51

Personnel

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Speed

  • Aaron Siow – bass guitar
  • Jem Siow – vocals
  • Josh Clayton – guitar
  • Dennis Vichidvongsa – guitar
  • Kane Vardon – drums

Additional contributors

Charts

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Chart performance for Only One Mode
Chart (2024) Peak
position
Australian Albums (ARIA)[14] 10
UK Independent Albums (OCC)[15] 32
UK Rock & Metal Albums (OCC)[16] 12

References

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  1. ^ "Hear Australian Hardcore Crew Speed's new Ripper Real Life Love". Revolver Mag. 1 May 2024. Retrieved 6 June 2024.
  2. ^ "Speed "The First Test"". Stereogum. 30 May 2024. Retrieved 6 June 2024.
  3. ^ "See SPEED rage in their pummeling new video for "DON'T NEED"". Alt Press. 19 June 2024. Retrieved 22 June 2024.
  4. ^ "Speed Announce Long Awaited Debut Album Only One Mode". The Music. 25 April 2024. Retrieved 6 June 2024.
  5. ^ "Speed will be hooning and tooning around Aus in August and September". Life Without Andy. 3 June 2024. Retrieved 6 June 2024.
  6. ^ "ARIA Awards 2024 nominations — everything you need to know". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 26 September 2024. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
  7. ^ Varvaris, Mary (1 November 2024). "Amyl And The Sniffers, Speed, Emily Wurramara Lead 2024 J Award Nominees". The Music. Retrieved 1 November 2024.
  8. ^ "Speed Announce Debut Album 'Only One Mode'". Music Feeds. 3 May 2024. Retrieved 6 June 2024.
  9. ^ "Speed share punchy new single 'The First Test' – featuring a flute in its breakdown". NME. 1 June 2024. Retrieved 6 June 2024.
  10. ^ "Hear Speed's New Flute-Fueled Hardcore Racer The First Test". Revolver Mag. 29 May 2024. Retrieved 6 June 2024.
  11. ^ "Hardcore stalwarts Speed select all or nothing on new album Only One Mode". Forte Magazine. 12 July 2024. Retrieved 12 July 2024.
  12. ^ "Speed's Debut Album Is Finally Here". Brag Media. 12 July 2024. Retrieved 12 July 2024.
  13. ^ [Only One Mode "Eminem's new album The Death of Slim Shady is a tiresome riposte against cancel culture"]. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 16 July 2024. Retrieved 19 July 2024. {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help)
  14. ^ "ARIA Top 50 Albums Chart". Australian Recording Industry Association. 22 July 2024. Retrieved 19 July 2024.
  15. ^ "Official Independent Albums Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 20 July 2024.
  16. ^ "Official Rock & Metal Albums Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 20 July 2024.