Speck is a big sounding rock 'n' roll group with a very small name. Led by singer and songwriter Doug Hutchcraft, Speck's self-titled label debut is comprised of intelligent lyrics and punkish musical elements to create an enjoyable effort which serves to magnify the obvious talents of its four young members. Hutchcraft reveals a wide range of songwriting, from the blunt attack on racism with "Skin," to the self-deprecating humor of "Brilliant," which relegates pride to its proper place, and reminds us all that--much of the time--we're not nearly as brilliant as we think we are. "My Friend" is a great big blast of noisy energy which details the personal relationship that man can have with his Creator. Some of these songs veer a little too close to Bush-like musical familiarity. However, the majority of the songs on Speck shine with the kind of originality which makes the listener sit up and take notice.
