Speed, Glue & Shinki Members, Gear & Sound

Speed, Glue & Shinki was a pioneering Japanese rock band known for their raw and unrefined take on psychedelic and acid rock. Formed in the early 1970s, the group consisted of Shinki Chen (guitar), Masayoshi "Glue" Kabe (bass), and Joey "Speed" Smith (vocals, drums). Hailing from diverse backgrounds, the trio came together under the vision of Shinki Chen, who was often regarded as the "Japanese Hendrix" due to his mastery of the guitar. Their music was a heady mixture of heavy blues, psych rock, and experimental sounds, reflecting both their musical prowess and the era's penchant for boundary-pushing artistry.

Speed, Glue & Shinki's sound is characterized by its raw, gritty, and almost chaotic energy, embodying the unrefined spirit of early '70s rock. The band’s music is marked by distorted, bluesy guitar riffs courtesy of Shinki Chen, whose playing on a Gibson SG 200 contributed to their heavy, electrifying tones. The bass lines, provided by Glue Kabe, are thick and driving, laying a solid foundation that complements the unpredictable drumming and fervent vocals of Joey Smith. Their sonic landscape is often aggressive and freeform, with extended jams and psychedelic explorations that veer into the avant-garde. To encapsulate their sound, musicians might focus on achieving a blend of overdriven amplifiers and vintage fuzz effects, creating a dense wall of sound that captures the untamed essence of this iconic band.