Pitchfork

New year, new leaf. With the defunct Test Icicles now but a blip in the 2005 buzz bin, former frontman Devonte Hynes has set down some new paths-- including one that has him crossing Omaha's famed Saddle Creek Road.

As previously reported, Dev's already stirring up mayhem with the gentlemen from Michigan's Whirlwind Heat, as Lightspeed Heat. And he's still got that regrettable Naked Babes thing going on with Tom Vek and two dudes from Semifinalists. Almost by default, whatever else he's working on is going to be more high-minded, so perhaps it's appropriate that he's hooked up with hotshot Omaha producer Mike Mogis to record his debut solo album under the Lightspeed Champion moniker.

"Mike Mogis is a dude, and this record is gonna be sweet," gushed Dev on his website, "as long as I don't overdose on 'Jimmy Jones [sic] - so fast you'll freakkkkk!!!!!' sandwiches and as long as I stay out of the local 'showgirls.'"

Faint kit-kicker Clark Baechle will provide drums on the record, which Domino hopes to release later this year-- and even Bright Eyes played his part: "Conor Oberst stopped by the studio," wrote Dev, "to say 'hey' and stuff which was cool." Dev thanked Conor by stealing his internet signal.

Songs include "Everyone Is Listening to Crunk" ("probably the most personal song on the album"), "Devil Tricks for a Bitch" ("seriously, I'm sorry for the horrible titles"), and an as-yet-untitled "12 minute song". Apparently there's even going to be cello on this record!

And pivot on over to Lightspeed Champion's MySpace to check out a short Wurlitzer ditty called "REYSTRRIGSTE ODYSSEY", as well as the melodic (!) pop romp "I Wish I Was a Camel", which wouldn't make a bad Super Furry Animals B-side. I can't believe I'm saying that.