Sean McLennan

On their debut LP, A Life’s Refrain, out now on Revelation Records, Stockholm hardcore punk unit Speedway channels an electric intensity into 12 lively, energetic jams that reflect the band’s vibrant spirit.

This makes complete sense considering guitarist Emil states: “Speedway is a band fueled by happiness and energy drinks.” But in all seriousness, he explains, “almost in all cases our priority is centered towards the energy of the songs….We get together, we jam some songs or riffs, and if we get psyched on it, we just keep on going with it.”

Capturing the energy of the moment is vital to Speedway’s songwriting process, however, they wrote and recorded the songs on the new record with the intention of “broadening” their sound, according to Emil.

While it’s easier to point to Youth Of Today, Gorilla Biscuits, and Turning Point, as bands that have inspired Speedway’s music, vocalist Anton points out how the band felt motivated to infuse their sound with some of their stronger rock influences throughout the new full-length.

“Especially with A Life’s Refrain, we saw the opportunity to expand on our sound and make something a little more interesting by implementing cues from other types of music we dig,” Anton shares. “Nothing crazy, but we’re obviously all huge rock fans. Stuff like Thin Lizzy, Iron Maiden, The Hives, David Bowie, and Oasis are all artists that had a level of musical impact on this album. We wanted to implement more of that classic rock in our music while still being very overtly hardcore.”

Speedway introduces those more rock-centric elements into their sound, all while completely maintaining their relentless spark; putting their tight-knit chemistry on full display. Anton adds, “Some people tend to place us in the melodic or even emotional bracket of hardcore, which I guess could make sense to a degree, but I don’t think they’re seeing it in the same light as we do. As an example, I think we have more in common with a band like Poison Idea than a band like Embrace.”

He continues, “I think we’ve become better songwriters in the sense that now more than ever we have a good idea of how to cater to everyone’s musical styles, preferences and strengths, which in my head is how we bring out the very best of each member and, thus, also collectively. I really think this shines through on tracks like ‘Passion Play’ and ‘Thin Air.’”

Emphasizing the importance of friendship within the band, Emil adds, “We started as five good friends and we’re still good friends doing something that we love. This band wouldn’t be the same if someone was missing. I’m personally someone that just throws ideas and stuff out there and with the help of the rest of the band, we make it into something real. I would say Anton is more of a genius of detail, working and scheming hard in the background, suddenly pulling out a full song.”

A Life’s Refrain marks a milestone for Speedway, not only as their debut LP, but as another official release for the band on the legendary hardcore punk label, Revelation Records.

“Revelation is truly a classic hardcore label and dear to our hearts, so it’s felt really special and something we never could have expected,” states Emil.

“Up until this point, there’s been a big focus on trying to roll with stuff, writing songs that are us in the moment and that are fun to play…We wanna travel around, play banger shows and meet some crazy people – we’re pretty simple people. As long as we’re having a good time and playing our music in the company of those we love, we really can’t ask for more.”

A Life’s Refrain is out now, and you can order it from Revelation Records. Follow Speedway on Instagram for future updates.