Before 'Bloodsports' was released in 2013, the band and fans had been apart for 11 years. It reminded everyone that it was okay to look, feel, and be different still. With the loss of their hero Bowie a week prior to ‘Night Thoughts’, it suddenly became imperative that this feeling remain alive.
On paper, this is a wet dream for Suede fans. The album and song titles suggest their darker side has been tapped. God bless, because no one does shattered Bohemia like Brett Anderson.
This is never more evident than on ‘Outsiders’. Glorious memories of ‘Trash’ come flooding back as Oakes fine riff rattles around with an air of desolation. It may be a tale of fetid romance but the closing repetition of outsiders is far more formidable. It serves as a familiar clarion call, which the marginalised will always be glad to hear.
The rest of the album may not live up to the outstanding quality of ‘Outsiders,’ but it has enough to resonate with loyal fans. ‘No Tomorrow revives the Bowie-esque glam, while ‘What I’m Trying To Tell You’ delves into the guitar parts of the ‘Coming Up’ era.
‘I Don’t Know How to Reach You’ allows Oakes to sparkle once more on the album. Interestingly, though, it takes a more introspective path. The melody throughout and the guitar solo are more akin to Noel Gallagher or Johnny Marr’s recent solo efforts. Anderson builds the tension and anguish of the protagonist in verse, thus allowing Oakes rare extended guitar solos that are steeped in emotion.
‘Night Thoughts’ shines at times brightly but too often deviates from this level. It never strays into poor territory, but some of the slower efforts don’t add to the narrative for what is clearly a fine effort in songwriting by Anderson.