SURIS - Rare Brew

SURIS - RARE BREW (Album)

Suris, a rising duo based in the UK, released their latest album, Rare Brew, which consists of a carefully curated collection of remastered songs from the duo’s catalogue that were recorded between 2005 and 2015. Rather than feeling archival, Rare Brew highlights the band’s consistent commitment to their sound. It is an album that was made for attentive listening, balancing subtlety with a bit of experimentation.

Suris consists of artists Lindsey and David Mackie. The duo, and their music, is shaped by their life experience and passion for songwriting and music. They formed their duo while they were students at University of East Anglia and evolved through various phases of artistry. Lindsey, always being the primary songwriter and vocalist, anchors the project. Her piano-led tracks provide the foundation for the production. Meanwhile, Dave’s addition of guitars, bass, drums, and production completes the sound, making the album sound meticulously put together. Their shared collaboration history is perfectly showcased on Rare Brew.

Several tracks stand out for how they capture the duo’s signature sound. One in particular is “Big Ship,” which is one of the earliest recordings included. The song has a beautiful layered arrangement that is a prime example of the duo’s commitment to texture and rhythm. Additionally, “Great Wide Open” is a more stripped back and reflective song that brings more of a “Space Oddity”-era sense of wonder. It’s a great example of a track that allows Lindsey’s vocals to shine without distraction. For listeners seeking something more unpredictable, “Warrior Queen” features an upright piano at the start and gradually expanding into a clash of guitars, synths, and vocals.

Across the album, comparisons to artists such as Kate Bush, Radiohead, and Fleetwood Mac would be easy. Like those artists, Suri mixes smooth arrangements with themes that feel slightly unsettled. While not new, the remastering brings a polish that enhances clarity. Yet, it’s important to note, the album keeps the warmth of the original recordings, contributing to an early-2000s CD-era feel.

And it’s not a super uncommon feat. Projects like Rare Brew are part of a wider trend of artists revisiting earlier music to reach new audiences. Groups such as Radiohead with OKNOTOK as well as Fleetwood Mac with expanded reissues are great examples of how recontextualized releases can draw new attention. With streaming platforms, which are driven by playlists and algorithms, these rereleases often perform differently than their original releases. For Suris, Rare Brew has similar potential as it’s the perfect example of an album that bridges eras of their work into a cohesive listening experience. By presenting familiar songs with new mastering, the album can reconnect their fans while inviting a new audience through streaming platforms and editorial playlists.

All in all, Rare Brew did a great job highlighting the talent that Suris has as well as their evolution over the years. The chosen songs are perfect examples of the quality of their songwriting, production, and the value of their longstanding partnership. Classic in spirit yet with a modern quality, Rare Brew manages to be both an album that sounds reflective while also being subtly forward-looking.