Photo: Press
Far too often bands reform, play their hits, and never write a new album. It's just as disappointing when they end up with something that's a shadow of their former selves - forever failing to escape the chase of their own legacy. Suede however, bypass all of these shortcomings.
In 2013, they released Bloodsports after Brett Anderson admitted he couldn't look at himself in the mirror if he kept doing nostalgia tours. The album rightfully received critical acclaim, and set Suede on a golden path of rejuvenated creativity - 11 years after their preceding album, A New Morning flopped.
This rekindled confidence has diffused into Night Thoughts - an incredibly ambitious, yet dark atmospheric album. You first get a sense of the record's murky nature from the record sleeve alone: a photograph taken underwater of a girl falling under the surface of the night sea.
A more adventurous interpretation than the cover, is the corresponding film by Libertines photographer, Roger Sargent. Sargent conveys Anderson's writing by depicting a man who is struggling to cope with all that life is throwing at him. The deep, troubling, and extreme emotions going through his head are contrasted by the backdrop of an ordinary British landscape - giving it a more profound sense of realism.
As well as the suitably distressing imagery, the film works in a social sense - it combats playlist culture, and engages fans in experiencing the album's powerful sound from start to finish. This is a very important way to listen to Night Thoughts, as it works best as one piece of flowing music. The intention of it being heard that way is emphasised by the absence of gaps between songs on the album, never stopping between tracks on record
As such it's difficult to point out highlights - the whole things is irresistible. Part of the way the music is so incredible is that it touches on some really genuine subject matter and Anderson writes like a good novelist, allowing the listener to draw a world from his words.
Moreover, the ambient changes in sound keep it varied and interesting. For instance the quintessentially Suede, 'No Tomorrow', will have you nodding to the beat, but 'Pale Snow' is as bleak as the title suggests and could reduce you to tears.
Ultimately, Night Thoughts is one of the best albums of their career, it substantiates Suede as one of the most important British bands of all time - proving that they aren't losing their touch with age. Don't let this record pass you by, it's just too good.
Suede's 2016 tour dates are as follows, and tickets are on sale now. Get tickets and more information here.
Suede will play:
FEBRUARY:
Monday 8 - Glasgow -Royal Concert Hall
Tuesdayt 9 - Manchester- Albert Hall
Wenesday 10 - Dublin - Olympia Theatre
Friday 12 - London - The Forum
Sunday 14 - Leeds - 02 Academy
