Suede – Antidepressants (2025)

In the last year, all the big Britpop bands have released albums and/or performed massive concerts – Oasis, blur, and Pulp have all participated.  Suede is the next band up from that early 90s period and in interviews to promote their newest album, Antidepressants, singer Brett Anderson has called out his peers and remarked that his band’s return is a continuation of releasing new and vital music; not a nostalgia act.

First song and single, “Disintegrate” is indeed vital.  A throbbing beat creates a dark tension with hard hitting guitars on a track that Anderson has called a “dark celebration of your own demise” as he sings – “come down and disintegrate with me”. The drumming of Simon Gilbert is a highlight throughout, particularly on songs like “The Sound And The Summer” and tribute to Anderson’s son on “Sweet Kid”. The title track sees Anderson talk/sing like Fontaines D.C. when he says, “I’m on antidepressants, I just lie awake”.

There is a dark theme running throughout the album but still moves beyond the shadows. “Dancing With The Europeans” is a melodically catchy song and “Trance State” adds synths effects for more atmosphere.  There is a warmth to the slower “June Rain”.  While Anderson needlessly calls out other bands that are performing far bigger shows, Antidepressants is another solid release from the band well into their second phase.

8/10