Suede – Autofiction Expanded Review

Mesmerising the latest record from Suede was, it felt almost inevitable there were some bits and pieces left over from the Autofiction recordings. Hence, Autofiction: Expanded. Exactly as it says on the tin – an essential album from 2022 with some extra bells and whistles added to it. Introspective, charming and mesmerising pieces from Brett Anderson and the rest of the Suede troupe made for one of the finest listens of the decade so far – and adding more to that is a real treat. Suede thrives in the extra cuts of their music, just take a look at the Coming Up gem Together for more proof of this. Seven new songs to roll out ahead of some December dates and a tour alongside Manic Street Preachers next year – which of these are making it to the stage? None, probably. 

It is a grand shame considering the tonal consistencies found not just when linking these tracks to Autofiction but in providing them with a home under the banner of Suede as a reformed group. While The Sadness in You, the Sadness in Me may strike as a binary opposite too plain for the Autofiction efforts, the songs to follow leave no doubts of the talent Anderson, Richard Oakes and Mat Osman bring to the table. Beyond the incredible set of career-best songs like She Still Leads Me On and What Am I Without You? are articulate and well-performed original album songs. This package is a real treat for hardened Suede fans but also for those wanting that little bit more of Autofiction. It is an expansion pack after all – and an essential one at that.  

Left behind in the cutting room, and for good reason, these bonus tracks are neither essential nor terrible. Days Like Dead Moths and The Prey linger on as somewhat similar to tracks already on Autofiction. Solid workings where Suede gets the chance to play around with their instrumental flourishes – essential for those who hope to hear the creative process. Latter piece The Prey is probably the peak of this, hearing Anderson demonstrate his vocal range while Oakes guides a charming, twinkling guitar piece through it all, the weaving instrumentals heard here are wonderful. Short and sweet numbers before live iterations of Autofiction shine through. These are the essential bits, really, exceptional performances of exceptional songs. Nothing less should be expected, and for those who got a glimpse of Suede on their recent tour – it is no surprise they are at the peak of their powers.  

Spending well over a year with She Still Leads Me On and receiving a lovely array of performances is a treat – Autofiction: Expanded offers these live workings and captures the energy displayed on stage perfectly. Suede is still at the peak of their powers – that will not change anytime soon. Autofiction: Expanded is a delight more for the consistency found in the live performances and the studio versions. A nice blanket of extra tracks is fitted in too, not the finest of works but punchy numbers like You Don’t Know Me and Still Waiting are worth picking up this expanded edition for. Suede hit a near career-best with their Autofiction efforts, and more of this period in a three-disc package is certainly nothing to snub.