Suuns have long been an obsession for the leftermost corners of the indie circuit, ever since they released their first album, Zeroes QC, in 2010. Their sound perfectly evokes their Montreal home; sitting somewhere between In Rainbows era Radiohead and Nine Inch Nails, they peddle unsettled, nervy glitch rock that sets your teeth on edge.
Their latest effort Hold/Still was released in April to great fanfare and paranoia. It charted the continuation of the band’s descent into the black hole of vein-necked angst, deconstructing their electro-rock style. From the first track it is clear that the more subdued elements of their sound showcased on tracks like Edie’s Dream have been eschewed in favour of agonisingly frequency battering sonic palettes.
Recorded in only three weeks this album was not so much composed as cooked, it seems Suuns’ signature edgy sound is best achieved under pressure, indeed some of the synth sounds, particularly on Brainwash, sound like they’re being ejaculated from a kettle or a milk steamer rather than fed through an amplifier.
If you enjoy feeling a little scared at gigs then this is the one for you; come down and experience the dark, dismal, yet melodic presence that is Suuns.
Suuns play Patterns on 14th July. Tickets start at £15.
By Adam Morrison
