Suede: one of the last few remaining "best new bands in Britain".  Although there's a new studio album doing the rounds, they really ought to be doing a UK wide tour in support of a long-overdue 'Greatest Hits' compilation - come on, we deserve one by now.  Suede have lived and worked through the many different musical fads of the nineties, steadfastly sticking with their patented brand of Bowie-esque indie classics.

It appears that as the rest of the band put on the pounds, singer Brett Anderson has lost them, looking leaner and fitter than ever before, leaping about the stage of Southampton Guildhall as if his record contract depended on it.  And it's infectious, convincing you of the strength of Suede's material - and that's all of it, not just the early stuff with Bernard Butler.  Several shiver-down-the-spine moments are provided, not least by 'Trash' - the best song David Bowie never performed.  Although the newer material doesn't have the initial impact that earlier songs may have done, Brett's voice really does have to be heard "in the flesh" to be truly appreciated.  When Suede began their career it had the potential to be an annoying whine, but Brett Anderson has grown and matured into his voice - making it by far the most important instrument in the band.

This UK tour comes at a trying time for British guitar music - under threat from so many spunky young US and Aussie acts - and the ending of Pulp's prime could be seen as a bad omen for a band popular during the same period.  It is a shame to suggest that a band as talented and entertaining as Suede should just politely step aside, but on the other hand it is difficult to see where they can go from here without giving us essentially more of the same.  A fantastic show, and a vibrant performance from the frontman, but the string of classic hits points ominously (and collectably) to a singles collection in time for the end of 2003...  It'll definitely be on my Christmas list.

Review: Andrew Morrison