Lightspeed Champion

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. 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. The group's full-length debut, Falling Off the Lavender Bridge, arrived in 2008. ~ Andrew Leahey