With the recent resurgence of classic rock, bands are coming out with albums to appeal to their loyal fans, and drawing in a new generation of rockers. The London Suede accomplishes this perfectly with their new album The Blue Hour.

Hailing from London, Suede was formed in 1989 and quickly rose to the top of charts with their first album Suede, and continued to hold the attention of rock fans, even through turmoil inside the band itself. Currently the band consists of Brett Anderson, Richard Oakes, Mat Osman, and Simon Gilbert. In the age of Britpop, they created a niche for themselves in the world of rock. Some of their previous albums were not well-received, leaving some long-time fans skeptical when they announced this past April they were releasing a new album. However, with their most recent album, they remind music lovers of their ability to move audiences with melodies that are haunting yet beautiful.

In the first song in the album “As One”, listeners are greeted with an eerie string intro that leads into bombastic vocals and the traditional four piece rock sound. The buildup to the main event is beautiful, as one can hear a string set matching the low hummings of members singing, then the guitar matches the same melody, revving listeners up even more to the song, and even the album. Anderson’s vocals are raw, and unadulterated, matching the mood of the song. He proclaims “Here I am, run to me, come to me” daring his listeners, new and old, to take a dive into their new sound, album, and image. Ethereal choirs are scattered in many of the songs that adds to the aura of mystery behind each lyric, even helping to build the suspenseful sound. These classical elements, choir and orchestra set, bring audiences directly into the heart of the band, creating a truly unique experience. At the end of the song, it sounds as if people are calling out to a dog barking in the background. Everyone is looking for this new album, looking for another rebirth, just like they would a dog, desperately.

Each of the transitions between songs are seemingly invisible. Their sound is so fluid and organic that it is difficult to decipher when one song end and another begins. I believe this is the best way to show ultimate musicianship. When artists are able to create a piece of work as a whole, and have the songs fit so perfectly together, it shows they truly have a hold on their sound and what they want to present to the public as their own.

With albums like “The Blue Hour”, Suede reminds us all of their musical prowess and abilities. They continue to inspire, motivate, and remind us all of a time before hip/hop, pop, and EDM. They bring us back to the days of rock and roll. This album will go down in their history as one of their best. To see them live, you have to be abroad, as they being a European tour October 1st in Amsterdam.

Spotify