In the vibrant landscape of ’90s rock, few bands escape the fate of becoming mere nostalgic tribute acts or relics ensconced in the sepulchres of their past. Yet, Suede stands out as a remarkable exception to this trend. As one of the “big four” of Britpop, alongside Oasis, Pulp, and Blur, they could have easily opted to settle into a comfortable routine of performing only their greatest hits. Instead, they have consistently chosen to forge ahead creatively. With their new album, Antidepressants, they evoke the image of a master architect unveiling a stunning new wing of a timeless structure, rather than merely seeking to relive their glory days. Decades after they played a pivotal role in shaping the Britpop genre, the band has crafted a record that feels simultaneously fresh and deeply anchored in their artistic identity.
From the very first listen, it becomes evident that this is one of Suede’s darkest and most unsettling works to date. The opening track, “Disintegrate,” establishes a haunting atmosphere, reminiscent of a flickering candle casting shadows in a pitch-black room, where dread and intimacy are inexorably intertwined. As the album unfolds, it resembles a grand, gothic waltz through a twilight landscape filled with emotional nuance. Tracks like “Dancing With The Europeans” seamlessly blend their signature sound with mournful, post-punk elegance, illustrating the band’s evolution while paying homage to their roots. On the title track, a powerful percussive passage underpins frontman Brett Anderson’s raw catharsis as he grapples with profound themes of mortality and the aching realisation of fading youth. Even the ambitious “Somewhere Between an Atom and a Star” radiates an air of elegance, feeling both organic and expansive, as it showcases the band’s ability to draw upon a diverse array of influences without ever veering into derivative territory.
Ultimately, Antidepressants serves as a formidable declaration that Suede is a band committed to moving forward rather than lingering in the past. On tracks like “Life is Endless, Life is a Moment,” they actively explore entirely new sonic landscapes, incorporating tribal drums and thick, brooding riffs that feel utterly disconnected from their Britpop origins. This album stands as a testament to their audacious spirit, affirming that a lengthy career does not equate to a loss of creative fervour. Instead, it demonstrates that a musical journey can be one of continuous reinvention, yielding something bold and essential for a new era. Suede not only pay homage to their illustrious legacy, but they are actively building upon it, proving that they remain one of the rare legends who still sound as vital and resonant today as they did thirty years ago.
