Bloodsports
Suede’s comeback album is no amble through the motions. This is a comeback illuminated by the glorious sound of a great British songwriter reinvigorated. Indeed, *Bloodsports*’s opening salvo—“Barriers,\" “Snowblind,” and “It Starts and Ends With You”—could sit comfortably amongst those shimmering \'90s greatest hits. But wisely, Brett Anderson leaves his signature world—illicit liaisons, bad drugs, and glitter—to the kids and recasts himself as a gritty cautionary tale. “Sometimes I Feel I’ll Float Away” is the highlight: circulating in a delicate, hazy mist and kickstarting an atmospheric second half rich with satisfying introspection.
On Suede's first post-reunion album, Bernard Butler remains absent, but his replacement, Richard Oakes, has an undeniably reinvigorating effect on frontman Brett Anderson. His lyrics strike the balance between decadence and elegance, and seek meaningful, one-on-one connections.
On Suede's first post-reunion album, Bernard Butler remains absent, but his replacement, Richard Oakes, has an undeniably reinvigorating effect on frontman Brett Anderson. His lyrics strike the balance between decadence and elegance, and seek meaningful, one-on-one connections.
If ever there were a time for Suede to turn up and remind us it’s worth sifting through hateful politics and brain-melting pop culture for a splinter of brazen positivity, it’s today.
If ever there were a time for Suede to turn up and remind us it’s worth sifting through hateful politics and brain-melting pop culture for a splinter of brazen positivity, it’s today.
When Barriers – the first new music from Suede in 10 years – hit as a free download this month it may not have achieved Bowie-level coverage, but Brett Anderson’s vocals are equally distinctive. And Barriers is really rather good; the dark sweep of Suede’s brutal glamour is firmly in place and that spectacular vocal swoop is dulled not at all by time. Snowblind, the electro-tinged Sabotage and the louche For All Strangers have a faded glamour that you’d hope for a band for whom youth was such an important part of their starting proposition.
When Barriers – the first new music from Suede in 10 years – hit as a free download this month it may not have achieved Bowie-level coverage, but Brett Anderson’s vocals are equally distinctive. And Barriers is really rather good; the dark sweep of Suede’s brutal glamour is firmly in place and that spectacular vocal swoop is dulled not at all by time. Snowblind, the electro-tinged Sabotage and the louche For All Strangers have a faded glamour that you’d hope for a band for whom youth was such an important part of their starting proposition.
After an 11-year dearth of new material, Britpop’s pompous progenitors are back from what we’d long feared might be the musical hereafter.
After an 11-year dearth of new material, Britpop’s pompous progenitors are back from what we’d long feared might be the musical hereafter.
ClashMusic: Read an album review of 'Bloodsports' the new album from the reformed Britpop band Suede led by Brett Anderson.
ClashMusic: Read an album review of 'Bloodsports' the new album from the reformed Britpop band Suede led by Brett Anderson.
Suede's first album in 11 years is a partial return to form, writes <strong>Phil Mongredien</strong>
Suede's first album in 11 years is a partial return to form, writes <strong>Phil Mongredien</strong>
Despite the odd track sequence, Suede's sixth album, 11 years in the making, is a bit of a treat, writes <strong>Michael Hann</strong>
Despite the odd track sequence, Suede's sixth album, 11 years in the making, is a bit of a treat, writes <strong>Michael Hann</strong>
The Britpop progenitors, Suede, are back on yelping, yearning form with their new album Bloodsports, says Helen Brown.
The Britpop progenitors, Suede, are back on yelping, yearning form with their new album Bloodsports, says Helen Brown.
Britpop's anticipators return, armed with tunes and ready. CD review by Thomas H Green
Britpop's anticipators return, armed with tunes and ready. CD review by Thomas H Green