This was the manifesto: one album, one gig, the end. As we go to press, album number two is impending and the band are on their way to Spain for a tour. I say band, because The Speedways are now just that. Initially the brainchild of Matt Julian who played all the instruments on the debut album (drums aside), moving forward the band now boasts Mauro Venegas, Adrian Alfonso and Kris Hood; some names that are revered in London rock ‘n’ roll circles from those in the know. Thank the Lord (whose name is surely Johnny Thunders), that the original promise, like many a heart, was broken.

The Speedways are a band that are doing things the old fashioned way with a single before an album. Here, in the infancy of the year 2020, we’re treated to two cuts of power pop heaven care of Kisses Are History and Number Seven on 7” vinyl. It’s a sound that’s familiar to those who loved their Just Another Regular Summer debut. Matt has this uncanny knack of taking a classic 1960s pop hook and remoulding it for the 21st Century. Old heads will rejoice and I’m sure new fans will prick up their ears with intrigue. If you love all that’s good about rock ‘n’ roll, then you’ll lap up this single which acts as a cock tease ahead of their second long player, Radio Sounds, which is due later in the year.

I can’t think of a UK band that excites me more than The Speedways at this moment in time. Sure, there are no live action scissor kicks or bloodied foreheads from smashing a punk rock head against an SM58 mic, but does there need to be? When rock ‘n’ roll is this honest, heartfelt and passionate, the answer is no. The Speedways have something beautiful, and long may they continue to shine through 2020 and beyond. Ginge Knievil

Preorder the 7” (from 13th January 2020) here