Once Boston’s best-kept secret, Speedfossil, the creation of singer/songwriter Garret Vandermolen, is on the verge of breaking out of New England with their third LP and Red on Red Records debut release, NO ANESTHESIA. The band has been hailed by fans and critics alike as a return of great pop songwriting in the vein of The Replacements, The Kinks, The Beatles, The Smithereens, even the Ventures. Metronome Magazine stated that Speedfossil is “an impeccable rock band that, without question, can hang with the best.” The line-up of the band to date, with Garret (guitar, vocals,) Michael Scotti (bass,) Dan Jordan (lead guitar/vocals,) and Hector Saint-Hilaire (drums) all working together, since late 2018.
It’s been quite a journey for Garret since he re-emerged from a twelve-year musical hiatus with 2014’s critically acclaimed Light of Day. Through almost two decades, Garret touched practically every facet of the music industry as a songwriter, producer, promoter, engineer, A&R executive, label owner, and member of a touring band. He had burned out by late 2001 – disillusioned, unhappy, and a new father starting a new family. Vandermolen left the music business behind and ventured into a new career. But songwriting was in his blood, and he got sucked back in (thankfully!) by some persistent friends and colleagues who urged him to pick up the expensive, dust-collecting instruments in his home studio and start making music again. Light of Day was followed by 2017’s full-length. You’re So Next!, which brought him regional radio airplay.
Started before the 2020/2021 isolation of the Covid-19 pandemic and finished during it, NO ANESTHESIA is an anomaly in the age of streaming and downloads; it is a collection of ten songs meant to be listened to uninterrupted, as a complete body of work. From the opening power guitar/synth-pop of “Luckiest Man In The World” to the snarling guitar riff/horn-laden closer of “Count Me Out,” the album takes you on a sonic and lyrical journey through the landscapes, relationships, observations, and challenges that we all encounter in daily life. Most of the tracks on the album are first or unedited takes, with Garret utilizing the digital recording process more like a tape machine rather than an opportunity to edit and perfect each performance through digital manipulation. Released on CD and clear, Grade A, audiophile vinyl, the long-player will also be available on all streaming platforms. Speedfossil will be on the road again to support NO ANESTHESIA, and plans to continue making albums and evolve, showcasing diverse examples of songwriting craft through catchy melodies insightful lyrics, and creative arrangements and instrumentation.
Photo Credit: Kelly Davidson