Buckinghamshire duo Suris have returned with a renewed sense of purpose on their latest album, ‘Pertinax’, a vivid and expansive record that finds the band pushing further into the realms of alt-pop and art rock. Built on a bold mix of colour, melody and meaning, the 13-track collection signals a confident new chapter for the husband-and-wife partnership of Lindsey and David Mackie.
Blending the dream-like whimsicality of Kate Bush with the cinematic sweep and melodic warmth associated with Fleetwood Mac, ‘Pertinax’ stands as a richly layered body of work. Moving fluidly between alt-pop and indie-rock, the album pairs entrancing piano lines, textured guitars and shimmering synths with world-building lyricism to create defiant, immersive soundscapes. Across its thirteen tracks, Suris alternate between emotive balladry and more expansive, boundary-pushing arrangements that test the edges of contemporary pop.
Diving into the release, Suris explains, “The album title means ‘To persist, stoically’, which truly sums us up – music is deeply embedded in our life and marriage, so we can’t help but continue writing, recording and producing! With this collection, we wanted to present a diverse and surprising range of songs covering themes of persistence, longing and resilience.”
The title is fitting for a duo whose creative journey has been marked by both opportunity and upheaval. Suris, known for their distinctive, timeless sound and richly textured vocals, began their musical partnership with modest means. What started as a recording experiment using only a four-track cassette recorder gradually evolved into a more ambitious project when Lindsey and Dave formed Rare with collaborator Simon Welander. Drawing inspiration from landmark releases such as Remain in Light by Talking Heads, Discipline by King Crimson and Tin Drum by Japan, the group crafted intricately textured guitar and rhythm arrangements over which Lindsey layered chords and lyrics.
Operating within the constraints of analogue recording, they relied on repeated track bouncing to build depth and atmosphere, ultimately producing a demo that attracted the attention of major record labels. However, just as industry interest began to gather momentum, the sudden death of the band’s manager stalled their progress. At the same time, Lindsey’s pregnancy marked another turning point, shifting priorities and reshaping their approach to music-making.
Two children later, the Mackies remain steadfastly independent and creatively aligned. Their partnership is rooted in instinct and shared experience, with both musicians adept at multiple instruments and at finishing each other’s musical ideas. With family life grounding their perspective, Suris have cultivated a working method that leaves little room for ego or artifice. ‘Pertinax’ reflects that ethos: resilient, exploratory and anchored in a commitment to craft that has endured through every chapter of their story.
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