Singles of the Day - Virtual Reality 123 / Charlotte 12" version by The Speed of Sound

The Speed Of Sound are a post-punk, new wave and prog-rock band from Manchester, whose individualistic, unique and distinctive sound, reworks the rule book of DIY punk. Comprised of John Armstrong (songwriting, guitars and vocals), Ann-Marie Crowley (vocals and guitar), Kevin Roache (bass guitar), John Broadhurst (drums) and Henry Armstrong (keyboards). The Speed Of Sound are a force of nature whose music evokes a sense of spontaneity, improvised creativity that is ever evolving, expanding and mutating to create original and compelling music. With the duality of vocals, The Speed Of Sound fuel the fires of authenticity and raw energy that stays true to themselves, that adds a dose of noncomformity. They are a band that is reminiscent of Magazine, Television, The B52s and Pylon, whilst thinking outside the box and marches to the beat of their own drum.

Having already released a back catalogue of impressive music, The Speed Of Sound have released a double sided Single, Virtual Reality 123 / Charlotte 12″ version, which has been selected as the Manc Review’s Single Of The Day.

“Virtual Reality 123” sees The Speed Of Sound tinkle from the baroque rock origins of prog-rock and rocket to the stellar heights of neo-psychedelica. It’s a great track that wails from the witchy woo woods of neo-classicism, whilst elevating towards the ambient heavens of space-rock.

Through the sitar-esque strums, delirious drones and piano slams, Virtual Reality 123 creates an eclectic backdrop of music, that is testament to The Speed Of Sound’s diversity and originality. Along with the rich vocals, harmonies and jangly riffs, Virtual Reality 123 stays true to its neo-folk roots and delivers its troubadour tales and poetic musing, likened to Kirsty McColl. Like all The Speed Of Sound tracks, Virtual Reality 123 time travels through the many parallel universes of music, whilst taking the unpredictable route of post-punk.

“Charlotte 12″ Version” is a quirky, idiosyncratic, and off beat neo-goth track, whose tribal beats draw blood from the ghostly past of post-punk and adds a cinematic catharsis. Through the captivating vocals of Crowley, and distinctive vocals of Armstrong, Charlotte 12″ Version encapsulates the eerie premise and the historical story about Charlotte Bronte staying at Elizabeth Gaskell’s house in the 1850s. It’s an intriguing track, that sees The Speed Of Sound orbit around the stella skies of space-rock and suspend mid-air in the ethereal heights of darkwave. Along with the reverberating riffs, spinning synths, and haunting harmonies, Charlotte 12″ Version unleashes a barrage of barren landscape, that seeps into the psyche of Bronte, whilst backtracking into the wilderness of neo-psychedelia.

Order the single https://orcd.co/thespeedofsound-doublea
‘Museum of Tomorrow’ order https://orcd.co/thespeedofsound-bsr
Virtual Reality 123 / Charlotte (12″ Version) is out now, available via Apple Music,Spotify and Bandcamp. Apart from this “virtual” digital release, the ‘Museum of Tomorrow’ album is also available on vinyl and CD from Big Stir Records and record stores.

CREDITS
John Armstrong – songwriting, guitars and vocals
Ann-Marie Crowley – vocals and guitars
Kevin Roache – bass guitar
John Broadhurst – drums
Henry Armstrong – keyboards
Engineer, mixing & mastering by Adam Crossley & Chris Guest