SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: THE SPEAKEASY – THE SPEAKEASY

THE SPEAKEASY
THE SPEAKEASY
THOUSAND ISLANDS RECORDS

In the current era of punk music, it can be a challenging task to discover a piece of music that truly captivates and engages the listener. With an abundance of artists and bands vying for attention, it’s tough to find music that is genuinely unique and has the potential to leave a lasting impact on its audience. However, when you come across such a gem, it can be a transformative experience that makes you see the world of punk music in a new light. As music fans of the genre, whether it’s a lust for unabated nostalgia or its raw DIY’ism that intermingles with other genres to create something magical in its wake, we search for bands that constantly keep us coming back for more. When listening to bands like Montreal’s The Speakeasy, it’s easy to see why these guys will not only catch one’s interest in the genre but the way they approach making their sound that makes them so intriguing to listen to for the past two decades.

Hailing from the effervescent punk scene of Montreal’s North Shore, their energetic spunk and blend of heavy skatepunk would generate two EPs, gearing up to what is now the release of their self-titled third album. Since the release of their second album and being signed to Thousand Island, the band has turned a new page in their career. However, this isn’t just about a new record deal, it’s about restoring a sound that breaks creative chains of duress. The Speakeasy’s self-titled album transgresses the idea of a concept album and digs for something deeper. At its core, this album is all about breaking the rules. It’s a journey through twists and turns that detail raw expressions of the pandemic, the daily grind of work, the struggles of mental health, the grip of addiction, the complexities of love, the allure of sex, and the resilience found in getting knocked down and rising again.

Starting with a beautiful, dulcet piano and an aggressively-tinged anthem “lights”, their self-titled album’s first track is a captivating listen that takes them into “Brightside.” Gorgeously nuanced and melodic, The Speakeasy takes us back to the punk we all loved in the glory days of the 2000s while breaking the mold with some great lyricism and organic melodic cadence that will keep the listener engaged for the tracks that remain.

The instrumental richness, technical finesse, and poignant lyricism in “Gunpoint” and “Sticks and Stones” continue to electrify and show off The Speakeasy’s talent for continuously redrawing the line of what makes a good punk record. With infectious and robust guitar lines and indelible percussive vitality, The Speakeasy delivers an onslaught of infectious punk beatitude worthy of every moment.

 The Speakeasy is a musical masterpiece that continues to showcase the band’s creative genius. Two of the standout tracks on the album are “Keep Me Where You Are” and “Breakfast Drugs,” both of which are melodic triumphs. “Keep Me Where You Are” is a beautifully composed song that captures the essence of love and longing. Poetic and emotional, the melody is hauntingly beautiful. “Breakfast Drugs,” on the other hand, is a more intimate and vulnerable track that explores the theme of addiction, more stripped down than the rest of the tracks, with the focus on the raw vocals and poignant lyrics. It’s a powerful and moving piece of music that demonstrates the depth and range of The Speakeasy’s talent.

The album comes to a close with two dynamic and powerful tracks, “Teaparty” and “Signs of Spring.”  High-energy, catchy, and memorable, “Teaparty” creates a driving and potent next-to-last experience that takes the listener to “Signs of Spring.” Embodying the band’s versatility and ability to create emotionally resonant moments, the track features a simple yet beautiful melody that is perfectly complemented by the singer’s sweet-toned, unvarnished vocals.

The Speakeasy reflects the band’s growth and progress. It reflects the musicians’ unique confidence and maturity earned through experience and their ability to construct a strong and complex record. The Speakeasy is more than just a story about breaking away from what one has always known; it’s an album that takes risks while finding strength in vulnerability.

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