Mondo Bizarre Magazine

words: Paulo Carmona (translated and edited by Raquel Pinheiro)
photos: Daniela Tendim

Suede are like a top-quality Port. Once “vintage”, forever vintage. The years pass and the quality improves unequivocally. They never disappoint, never waver, never compromise. Whenever they step onto a stage they are completely focused, always ready to give their best, and their best is of a very high standard.

As it was at Super Bock Arena, in Porto, where they came to present their latest album – Antidepressants – to their newest friends and to those who have followed them for years. A quick glance around the room was enough to realise that Suede captivate every generation.

If Simon Gilbert and Mat Osman are the band’s unquestionable maestros, thanks to their experience and talent, cohesive and brilliant in their rhythmic execution, then Richard Oakes and Neil Codling provide the stylised melodies that shape and define the Suede sound.

As for Brett Anderson – the lead singer – he ought to be the subject of a scientific study. A remarkable performer, an absolute stage monster. He seems to run on batteries that never run out, radiating an emotional energy capable of stirring a bear in the depths of hibernation. I would say he is a teenager recycled at supersonic speed. The audience adores him, every gesture, every mannerism, every swing of his body.

From the setlist chosen for this show, it must be said that they swept across their vast repertoire, with particular emphasis on songs from the latest album — very well received by the audience, it should be noted — but also including the epic and iconic songs of old, songs that belong to all times. I would highlight Trash, Can’t Get Enough and Everything Will Flow, which drove the crowd into complete delirium, and, of course, The Beautiful Ones, which figuratively brought the whole arena down.

Brett did not confine himself to the pit and ventured straight into the middle of the crowd. Amid shouts, tears, applause, hugs and kisses, he somehow managed to slip back onto the stage to close the concert in total apotheosis.

Grab your glasses, and yell from the bottom of your lungs! Cheers, Suede!

The Band:
Brett Anderson – lead vocals
Mat Osman – bass
Simon Gilbert – drums
Richard Oakes – guitar
Neil Codling – guitar, keyboards, backing vocals.

Setlist:
Disintegrate
Antidepressants
Trash
Animal Nitrate
We Are the Pigs
Personality Disorder
Sabotage
New Generation
Filmstar
Can’t Get Enough
June Rain
She Still Leads Me On
Shadow Self
Trance State
The Wild Ones (acoustic Brett Anderson & Richard Oakes)
Everything Will Flow
So Young
Metal Mickey
Beautiful Ones
Dancing with the Europeans