A fantastic new album from English duo Suris, Pertinax fuses atmospheric art-pop, nostalgic rock, and immersive storytelling. Anchored by Lindsey Mackie’s emotive vocals and consuming songwriting, the record balances lush, cinematic arrangements with more expressive bursts, revealing layers of nuance and reflection. Alongside Mackie’s songwriting, David Mackie’s production, mixing, and instrumental contributions ensure a polished yet enjoyably unpredictable sound.
A captivating album opener, “Mended” channels themes of restorative power with a dynamic tonal expanse — rising from twinkling keys into rousing guitar tones and a multi-layered vocal beckoning to “hold on.” Shades of The Associates and Kate Bush show in the lovely aesthetic, bridging lush art-pop and nostalgic rock mystique. A meditation on resilience and the beauty of repair, the song frames imperfection as a source of grace and continuity with poetic precision, exemplified in the “nothing more beautiful than a mended thing” line.
The ensuing “Last Train Home” is another standout, bringing forth illuminated piano tones and starry-eyed synth pulsations. While its reserved soundscape conjures the sophisti-pop of The Blue Nile, the vibrant vocal efforts strut a charismatic effervescence — compelling in capturing serenity found in cyclical moments of connection. The album’s production dazzles in its balancing of atmosphere and emotion.
The successes continue after this strong opening one-two punch, particularly with “Huma.” Its structural evolution compels in its drive to glistening piano and riveting brass, complementing themes of suffocation and self-discovery with melodic prowess. From the melding of blaring organs and soulfulness on “Armour of Love” to the cinematic balladry of closer “Fugue,” the quality throughout the album never lets up. Pertinax is a lovely, immersive listening experience from Suris.
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“Last Train Home” and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup.
