Before 'Bloodsports' was released in 2013, the band and fans had been apart for 11 years. It reminded everyone that was ok to look, feel and be different still. With the loss of their hero Bowie a week prior to ‘Night Thoughts’, it suddenly became imperative 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 into. God bless because no one does shatter 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, one 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 whilst ‘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 something more akin to Noel Gallagher or Johnny Marr’s recent solo efforts. Anderson builds the tension and anguish of the protagonist in the verse thus allowing Oakes rare extended guitar solos which are steeped in emotion.
‘Night Thoughts’ at times shines so brightly but, too often deviates from this level. It never strays into a 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.