Speed Kills is the essence of pub rock distilled down to its purest form: raw energy literally ricocheting off the walls. The debut album from London-based rockers Chubby & the Gang, the album takes influence from the new wave of British hardcore with elements of punk, pub rock, and blues. Started by an electrician by the name of Charlie Manning, Chubby & the Gang is the result of him navigating the London hardcore scene for many years. Featuring chaotic riffs and breakneck drumming that threatens to collapse on itself at any moment, Speed Kills is a fun record that puts a new spin on the pub rock sound.
Much like other bands to come out of the British hardcore scene in the early 2010s, Chubby & the Gang wear their influences on their sleeve. From the overwhelming riffs reminiscent of Motörhead, the pop stylings of The Ramones, and the pub rock roots of Dr, Feelgood, Speed Kills feels indebted to all of its predecessors yet it fuses the sounds together in a wholly new way. This is largely due to the fact that Jonah Falco of Fucked Up was in charge of producing the record. Each component works in sync with the others from the frenzied vocals to the relentless percussion to the lightning-fast riffing. There’s always a distinct lo-fi quality to the mixing that feels like a bunch of dudes actually playing at their local bar. That said, Chubby & the Gang also retain a lot more pop sensibilities than their contemporaries and the sing-along hooks feel like a new direction when compared to the members’ previous bands.
In the short 28-minute runtime, Speed Kills explores a variety of different topics but its solemn tribute on “Grenfell Forever” is the highlight as the band slows the pace for heart-wrenching reflection. Their leftist politics are intertwined with their music as they explore police brutality, trade unions, and solidarity for the working class. Brimming with nonstop energy, Speed Kills takes the DIY-ethos of hardcore and punk into the 2020s with a more rock-n-roll focused sound. Although Speed Kills doesn’t really create anything groundbreaking, its hyperactive energy promises to be a wild ride from start to finish.
Must Listens: Grenfell Forever, Union Dues, All Along The Uxbridge Road
