Kent, Ohio-based four-piece The Speedbumps will release their third full-length album, The Harbors We Seek, next week (November 29) via Leta Records.
The collection’s title may hint at the themes of loss, sadness and healing born out of personal circumstances and bled into the verses, but The Speedbumps’ eclectic musical influences and often breezy melodies allow the tunes of The Harbors We Seek to serve as a welcome reprieve from the oppressive grey of coming winter while still being an introspective reminder of the hard-luck kicks life has in store over the years. Recorded over a span of six days (and produced by Jay Alton (The Lost Revival) and mastered by Brian Lucey (Ryan Bingham, Neko Case, The Shins, Dr. Dog)) in an intimate Pennsylvania cabin, the band opens the door and lets you come in close for warm-sounding songs that feel as spirited and soothing as the subject matter feels acutely personal.
Founding member and frontman Erik Urycki is open about how creating music with The Speedbumps has delivered solace while facing anxiety and hardship, and it’s not hard to imagine the ways the work Urycki and his fellow Speedbumps have put into The Harbors We Seek will bring such solace and levity to new fans who join the band for the ride. Mixing deft musicianship, radio-ready hooks, and grooves that call to mind Punch Brothers as often as G. Love and Special Sauce, The Speedbumps seem to be stretching their arms out to anyone (roots fans, pop-rock radio fans, jazz circuit enthusiasts) with an inclination to sing along, catch said grooves and smile through the sadness.
Stream: The Speedbumps – The Harbors We Seek
