Lightspeed Champion

by Andrew Leahey
After the experimental rock outfit Test Icicles disbanded in 2006, Devonte Hynes launched Lightspeed Champion as his own folk-driven indie rock venture. The new project allowed him to focus on his love for melodies, a fondness that began with Hynes' childhood love of Broadway musicals and, years later, helped sweeten Test Icicles' spastic sound. After writing a batch of fresh material, Hynes -- who had also grown up listening to country music -- flew to Nebraska to collaborate with Saddle Creek's resident producer, Mike Mogis. Backed by an informal band comprised of members of Cursive, Tilly and the Wall, and the Faint, Hynes recorded a number of semi-acoustic songs, several of which were later released on the Galaxy of the Lost and Tell Me What It's Worth single compilations. Lightspeed Champion then spent the latter half of 2007 on tour, first as an opening act for Bright Eyes and then as a headlining band. A U.K. tour was planned for early 2008, as was the release of the group's full-length debut, Falling Off the Lavender Bridge.