Live Review: Speed, Sovereign, Splitknuckle, Bodyweb and Whispers | Electric Ballroom, London | 22/04/26
Get your flutes out! Australian hardcore punk band from Sydney, Speed, play a sold-out Electric Ballroom on the last stop of their UK tour.
Sovereign
All six members of this brutal hardcore band rush forth on stage with no warning. Instantly the crowd pushes outward and creates space for an onslaught of mosh pit acrobatics and two-stepping. The venue is already nearly full, and Sovereign takes full advantage. Grinding riffs make way for drums that cut through the P.A. system; even those in the (very long) merch queue are moshing; it’s impossible to not get involved. Sovereign has set a high standard for energy straight out of the gate.
Splitknuckle
The second special London guest for this show, Splitknuckle, capitalises on the energy left by Sovereign and doubles it. Overcoming some slight technical issues at the start of the set, vocalist Joey Drake paces the stage in time to the songs, making sure no space is left empty. No stranger to playing crowds of this size, they bring their unique sense of humour to the stage, inviting the crowd in and showing their unserious personalities before ripping through more ferocious tracks. Live, this band is a true juxtaposition of fun and intimidating.
Bodyweb
Bringing Y2K realness to the Electric Ballroom, Flatspot Records’ 2025 signing Bodyweb creates a chilled atmosphere amongst the intensity of the bands that are sandwiching their set. This nu-metal/grunge-tinged band plays a varied setlist, mixing old tracks with newer ones, softly introducing newcomers to their sound. The guitars are fuzzy, and the vocals are powerful and dreamlike in parts, while also blending raw riffs with an electronic section. Their performance feels immersive, drawing the crowd into a nostalgic yet fresh sonic experience.
They seem to do all of this without looking like a gimmick band or purely capitalising on fashion trends. Bodyweb know their way around the genre and play well together.
Whispers
‘Bangkok Evilcore’ arrives on stage via the incredible five-piece hardcore band Whispers. The band leaps around as the mosh pit erupts, both sides mirroring each other. Circle pits and cartwheels take over the front of the venue as the band moves methodically through their setlist. The moshpit grows undeniably electric, stretching from the stage to the sound desk in a frenzy of swinging limbs and sweat-soaked dancers. This is an aggressive performance, but not in a toxic way; it’s more cathartic, a release of rage and emotion. Lead vocalist of Speed, Jem, takes to the stage to provide backup amidst thunderous cheers from the audience.
With fewer UK appearances since their inception than the headliners, the crowd carries a palpable anticipation for Whispers, who are just as appreciated and loved as the headliner, Speed. A true testament to the genre’s widespread global influence.
Speed
Air guitars are swapped for air flutes as the headliner begins their set. Aussie hardcore outfit Speed gained a huge viral following in recent years due to their dynamic performances and live flute section, and it’s hard to not see why. Every member is as charismatic on stage as the others, engaging with the crowd and openly enjoying every second. Vocalist Jem grins ear to ear, making it obvious that performing is his favourite place on earth.
The entire performance is frenzied, organised chaos, with crowd surfers floating above the heads of moshers and every audience member singing the lyrics back to the band perfectly. This is the sort of band whose magnetism breeds a cult-like following, with fans bellowing “SPEEEEED” when the performance ends, echoing long after the final note fades.
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