Suede are a unique band. Unique in that they have found success without conforming to many of the old music clichés. You must be this! You must do that! Suede have done what Suede have wanted to do despite many successful attempts by the music press to kill them off.

Very few people gave them a chance following the departure of Bernard Butler. But Richard Oakes on guitar has managed to capture a lot of the Butler magic and the electronic sounds of Neil Codling on the keyboard - so evident on their new album - have added a whole new dimension to Suede's sound.

Tonight as with every night on the tour they start with the brilliant Can't Get Enough. And from then on you know that you are embarking on a rollercoaster ride through the darkest streets, past the neon lights, the running dogs, the freaks and the weirdos yet coming out with a sense of hope that only Suede can bring.

But this is a different Suede we are watching tonight compared to a few years ago. Bret Anderson seems so much more relaxed and happy. He's also discovered a new-found energy. Gone are the days of standing in the middle of the stage banging a tambourine against his leg, in fact he even ventures down into the audience at one point. And Suede look much better for all of this.

The only sad thing about tonight is the lack of old Butler era songs. They only manage three - Metal Micky, Wild Ones and Animal Nitrate. Its sad that Bret Anderson's feud with Bernard Butler should mean that fans are being deprived of such classic songs as The Drowners, So Young and We Are the Pigs.

They've also got a new-found fascination with long instrumental intro's at the beginning's of songs. With songs like 'Elephant Man' and 'Filmstar' being dragged out to a ridiculous length. If they'd missed out a couple of intro's they could probably have fit in a couple more old songs.

Despite all this there are still few bands who can match Suede for style and flair. They are amongst some of the few great entertainers around today.

Suede aren't going to make many more new fans. They probably reached the height of their popularity after the release of Coming Up. But as long as they keep releasing songs with the quality of those on Head Music and putting on shows like this there will always be plenty of people willing to listen and watch.

Sam Cook.

Live Reviews
The Music Bar