"Speed Is Relative (Black Vinyl)" is the long-awaited full-length LP by Cigar, pressed on classic black vinyl and released by the renowned punk label Fat Wreck Chords. Combining high-energy skate punk with precise musicianship, this album delivers fast, melodic songs packed with intricate guitar lines, pounding drums and instantly memorable hooks. The production emphasizes clarity and punch, so every break, harmony and drum fill cuts through with power while still retaining the raw, live feel that fans of 90s melodic punk love. The LP format underlines the album character: a coherent journey from the explosive opener through driving mid-tempo tracks to furiously fast closers, inviting you to listen front to back rather than in isolated singles.
Lyrically, "Speed Is Relative" blends personal themes with observational storytelling, pairing urgent tempos with thoughtful content. The songs capture the spirit of classic skate and melodic hardcore: introspective yet uplifting, restless yet hopeful. The tight performance and focused songwriting make this LP ideal both for long-time punk fans and for listeners discovering Cigar for the first time. The black vinyl pressing appeals to collectors who appreciate traditional, durable records with a timeless aesthetic, and the packaging is designed to present the album as a complete work rather than just a collection of tracks.
Cigar are a high-octane punk band known for combining technical playing with strong, tuneful melodies. Over the years, they have gained a loyal underground following for their tight live shows, fast tempos and a style that bridges classic skate punk with more modern melodic hardcore. Their reputation rests on precision, speed and a knack for writing songs that are both challenging and accessible. "Speed Is Relative" captures these strengths on record, showcasing the band's ability to balance complexity and catchiness in a way that stands out in the punk scene.
The LP is released by Fat Wreck Chords, one of the most influential independent punk labels in the world. Founded in the early 1990s in the USA, Fat Wreck Chords has been instrumental in shaping the sound of modern melodic punk and skate punk, working with numerous genre-defining bands and cultivating a characteristic mix of speed, melody and DIY ethics. The label is known for high production standards, fair treatment of its artists and a strong connection to the international punk community. With "Speed Is Relative (Black Vinyl)", Fat Wreck Chords once again underlines its role as a reliable source for high-quality, forward-thinking punk releases.