Suede - Barriers

Ring the bells, and let the joyous news be spread - Suede have released their first single in ten years!

Ever since the band regrouped in 2010 following an extended hiatus, the question that has been on the lips of Suede fans has been whether the group would be releasing any new material following their reformation. At first it seemed rather unlikely, as the group took to the road to promote re-issues of their five studio albums, including three night residencies in both London and Dublin, where they played their first three albums in full. However, the group maintained that they wouldn't resort to treading on past glories alone, so 2012 saw the band take to the studio to record what will eventually be their their sixth album which will be titled "Bloodsports".

And now, the band have brought out "Barriers", the first new material the quintet have released since their 2003 singles collection. Even better, they've made it available as a free download. And it's a wonderful entry to the Suede catalog. It is a song that doesn't sound like it would fit neatly onto any of the band's current albums, yet neither does it sound like the band attempting to refashion their sound to suit the mores of 2013, although it does appear to have taken a few cues from lead singer Brett Anderson's recent "Black Rainbows" album.

Ladies and gentlemen, Suede are back. Enjoy it while you can.

The Cold One Hundred - Hedonist

Manchester based five piece The Cold One Hundred first came to my attention when I learned that they would be supporting my beloved Brett Anderson during his London and Manchester gigs in October. Having checked out their music, it is fair to say that he has chosen very wisely.

"Hedonist" is a deliciously dark piece of indie rock that treads a similar lyrical path that Monsieur Anderson took during his early days in Suede ("In between the sex, I'm a hedonist" is a choice lyric), whilst vocalist Amory channels the same spirits kept Martin Rossiter going whilst in Gene.

Brett Anderson - Brittle Heart

2011 has been a great year for Brett Anderson. Already this year has seen the singer play though his band Suede's first three albums in their entirety to capacity crowds in both London and Dublin. Now Brett is lining up to release his fourth studio album "Black Rainbows", notably his first to be released with major label backing since "A New Morning" back in 2002. As a trailer for the album, the first single, "Brittle Heart", was released to the world today.

The most notable thing about the new single is that it is perhaps the most rock orientated song of Brett Anderson's solo career. He has explored many territories on his solo works; from the orchestral pop of his eponymous debut album, the tender piano ballads of "Wilderness", and the pastoral folk stylings of "Slow Attack", but it's nice to hear him coming back to what he does best. Thankfully, it seems that rumours of "Black Rainbows" being a heavy metal album proved to be unfounded.

Produced by Leo Abrhams, who also produced Brett Anderson's 2009 album "Slow Attack", "Brittle Heart" sees Brett doing what he does best - empassioned romanticism and heartfelt lyrics that hide a darkness beneath them.

"Black Rainbows" will be released on 26th September, with "Brittle Heart" available now to download from all good MP3 retailers. The video for "Brittle Heart" is available to watch now.

Kodakid - Low 7

Waterford based 4-piece Kodakid have been around for just over a year, playing their trademark blues-funk to increasingly rapturous audiences, including a forthcoming support slot for the Noisettes. They recently released their latest single, "Low 7", which is an exciting slice of retro goodness, souped up for a 21st century audience.

"Low 7" mixes elements of Deep Purple, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, album tracks by The Verve, tied up with a guitar riff not too dissimilar to "Filmstar" by Suede and some clever lyrical wordplay ("I'm a man of the limitless age, and I'm working my ass off for a minimum wage" is a rather ingenious couplet).

"Low 7" is available to download for free from the official Kodakid website.