Speaks

SPEAKS are a band based between Brighton and South London influenced by La Dispute, Touche Amore, Mastodon, Parkway Drive, Japanese Voyeurs, Bronx, The Night Marchers, Hawk Eyes, Trash Talk, The Computers, Billy Vincent, Supershit 666, Yelawolf, OFF, Necro. Before the band, front girl Lele tasted success as a solo artist; touring the UK and Europe as support for big headliners including Crystal Castles, with the help from her sister and backing vocalist Kelly Jackson. Before putting together the current line-up, she wrote songs for SPEAKS with help from friends Larry Hibbitt (Hundred Reasons) and Radio 1 Rock DJ Dan P. Carter (A, Hexes). Drummer, Kirk Budden, has played for Brighton hardcore outfit Trippin’ Violet and, more recently, has played drums for Brighton band The Black Rash and dubstep DJ Tek One. He is joined by guitarist Jake Tyler, formerly of post-hardcore outfit This City, and bassist Dan Palmer (formerly of Belisha, Zen Motel and Cousin Joey). Completing the line-up is synth player/guitarist/backing vocalist Liam Dowling, who is also still an active member of Brighton avant-garde legends Vile Imbeciles and The Black Rash. Together, the band infuses the creativity and raw energy of alternative and heavy music, with the tightness and lyrical finesse of hip hop.