North East female-fronted melodic rock band, Outcast Syndicate, have just released their debut album. Lee Allcock caught up with bassist, Warren Speed, to discuss the new release.
You’re back with a brand-new album. You must be excited to get that out there…
Yes, we’re very happy with the finished result. We’re very happy with the mixing and production, although everything can be reproduced live. Our singer, Kate Piercy, is such a natural talent and there is zero auto-tune on any of her vocals. We crafted the songs carefully to try to make every second count and ensure there was no filler but all killer.
How has the response been so far?
We’ve had some great reviews. Overtone.site said ‘an amazing punky classic rock album, 8.5/10’, which we were chuffed with as that was the sound we wanted right from the start. The target was up-tempo, melodic, 3-minute rock songs with very catchy choruses and a raw edge. Loud Enough? Magazine said ‘A belter. Guitar-driven anthemic rockers with expressive vocals’.
For those yet to hear the release, what can they expect?
Up-tempo, feel-good songs that you can sing along to and let off some steam. The musicianship is of a very high standard, especially the guitar work. The rhythm guitars emphasise the groove and phrasing and the lead solos are full of energy, passion and melody. The same could be said for the vocals; Kate is comfortable singing many styles but particularly excels when giving it some welly. Our slowest song is still as quick as ‘Welcome To The Jungle’ and the title track,‘Uncoiled’, is 190 beats per minute.
Tell me a bit about your influences…
We have loads of influences and try to pull the best parts from different styles into our own songs. Our drummer, Glen, adds feel and groove like his favourite Brian Downey (from Thin Lizzy). Guitarist, Col, loves virtuosos like Van Halen & Steve Vai. Kate loves all kinds of singers but grew up listening to bands like Paramore and Halestorm. And I’m influenced by Pete Way (UFO) & Steve Harris (Iron Maiden) especially with his posing haha. We’re also influenced by bands such as Green Day, Def Leppard and Joan Jett.
And you’ve released an accompanying video to your single, ‘Plastic Feeling’. Tell me a bit about the idea behind the video…
The song is about feeling you’re with the wrong person, in the wrong job or generally in the wrong place in life. The ‘plastic’ reference refers to being fake, as if you’re not being true to yourself but faking it to ‘fit in’. The lyrics tell a story of day-to-day struggle and the desire to keep fighting to escape the position you are in. We try to empower with our lyrics and write about real-life situations. ‘Bring It Home’ is about dreaming and fighting for what you want including the lines: “You put the work in and then soon you’ll see. You’ll have no limits, endless possibilities.” ‘Don’t Let ‘Em Do It’ and ‘Down For Desecration’ are about standing up to bullies.
We also try to add some humour to our lyrics, even referencing Spinal Tap’s ‘Going All the Way to 11’ in ‘Coming 4U’.
And finally, what are your aims for the remainder of 2024?
We’re looking to gig more and build our fanbase and, hopefully, get some juicy support slots. We’re full of energy live and aim to put on an entertaining show. We’ve got a new guitarist now (Col Dixon) who fits the band perfectly and is massively experienced. We’ll be writing more songs with him and aim to film three new music videos and continue to have loads of fun along the way.
You can listen to the album now on all major streaming platforms.
