Review: Suede At Dublin's Olympia Theatre

In a departure from the norm Brett Anderson and co’s latest tour comprises a show of two parts; firstly they perform excellent new album Night Thoughts behind a screen showing Roger Sargent’s accompanying film and then they revisit their golden years for a hit-packed finale.

The latest opus has deservedly garnered much critical acclaim and its power is enhanced by the visual component to the evening. Not light viewing, the celluloid outing addresses suicide, domestic disputes and the loss of a child, Throughout the musicians are semi-visible, Anderson’s tortured vocals soaring as his silhouette writhes with emotion.

And so to part deux. The screen vanishes and the mood immediately lightens as they transmogrify from stately artistes to indie scamps. ‘Moving’, ‘Trash’ and ‘Animal Nitrate’ pack a triple whammy of an opener as Anderson prances, leaps and shimmies his way through the set.

As the band weave a superb sonic tapestry Brett proves himself the perfect pop frontman as he exudes sexuality, playfulness and a mesmerising chaotic energy; even descending into the crowd risking attack by squealing audience members of both genders.

He is the consummate indie idol during raucous numbers such as ‘Metal Mickey’ and ‘So Young’ and harnesses his serious artistic side to beguiling effect during slower outings such as ‘Down’ and ‘Everything Will Flow’. A storming ‘New Generation’ brings the night to an explosive finish.

click here to view the superb photographs from Suede's gig at The Olympia