Austin’s own synth pop quartet Speak is on the cusp of releasing their second record, having come a long way since their beginnings in 2008 as students of the University of Texas. Since releasing their first EP in 2010 to much success and nabbing the title of Best New Band at the Austin Music Awards in the same year, the band has continued to grow, releasing a full-length album in 2011, playing at SXSW, and recently touring with Ra Ra Riot. With a good deal of buzz surrounding their long anticipated sophomore release, the future looks bright for Speak.
Their newest single, “Peaks,” is a symphonic swell of electronic sounds bookended by sections of airy harp vamps. This give-and-take between the two sonic identities emphasizes the contrast that exists within Speak: an electronic pop aesthetic coupled with an indie sensibility. Blossoming with a thickly, billowy texture of synth and vocals, the song alternates between tension and release, creating a pleasing symmetry. With an impressive range, the stretchy vocals of lead singer Troupe Gammage drive home lyrics like “Emotion is a terrible thing to waste”. Thankfully, on this track, emotion is being put to excellent use.