Suede announced their 7th studio album at the start of 2014, proving their comeback to be well and truly on. Two years later and Night Thoughts has finally arrived. It all started again in 2013 with the outstanding and thrilling LP Bloodsports, but what was to come next? It was hard to tell – would they stick to the classic Suede sound that rocketed them back into the heart of the glam-rock scene or would Night Thoughts be an album of experiments and new territory?
Fortunately Suede stuck to what they know best – heroic 90s glam-rock tracks with ambitious and unmistakable vocals from lead singer Brett Anderson along with definitive but distorted guitar hooks. Lead single ‘Outsiders’ is full of nostalgia similar to previous 90s smash hit ‘Beautiful Ones’, spreading love for the misfits and outcasts of rock. But that isn’t to say there is nothing new to admire at all with Night Thoughts. Opener ‘When You Are Young’ begins with a dark and unsettling string orchestra and synths gently eclipse over the chorus. Single ‘Like Kids’ also explores a much more feverish and scruffy side of Suede, with a magnificent and punchy off-key guitar hook which is impossibly unforgettable. ‘Learning To Be’ and finale ‘The Fur & Feathers’ experiment with a softer and more reserved side of Suede, with ecliptic but slightly creepy piano hooks and soaring melodies.
Suede have already announced an small UK tour, playing at Manchester’s Albert Hall and the BBC Radio 6 Music Festival (held in Bristol this year), finishing at our very own O2 Academy on Valentine’s Day. With a spot at Primavera Sound Festival this summer as well, we can expect numerous more festival slots to be announced as the year goes on.
Ultimately Night Thoughts is a superb and striking continuation of Suede’s revival, and with this album they are again able to lay claim to the 90s glam-rock crown, after an astonishing comeback.
Luke Humphrey