Suris is the artistic union of Lindsey and David Mackie, a husband-and-wife duo based in High Wycombe, England, whose music is shaped by longevity, instinct, and a deep respect for storytelling through sound. Their journey together began long before Suris became a defined name, rooted instead in shared creative curiosity and an early commitment to music as both expression and purpose. Lindsey and Dave first crossed paths while studying at the University of East Anglia, meeting in a setting that reflected their shared social consciousness: a benefit concert for Vietnamese boat people, where both were performing with different bands. Lindsey fronted The Clynics, a group influenced by the post-punk and new-wave spirit of Siouxsie Sioux and Blondie, while Dave played guitar in the punk band Capitalist Music. Despite their contrasting styles, both artists were united by a desire to push emotional and musical boundaries. Their respective bands later appeared on the compilation Welcome to Norwich – A Fine City, marking an early convergence of their creative paths.
What began as a personal collaboration soon evolved into a recording experiment driven by curiosity rather than commercial ambition. With only a four-track cassette recorder at their disposal, Lindsey and Dave started shaping songs that prioritized atmosphere, melody, and emotional depth. This exploratory phase led to the formation of Rare, a project that included Simon Welander. Drawing inspiration from influential albums such as Talking Heads’ Remain in Light, King Crimson’s Discipline, and Japan’s Tin Drum, the group built intricately layered compositions by repeatedly bouncing tracks, transforming technical limitations into creative strength. Their richly textured demos caught the attention of Ensign Records and later Polygram, signaling a moment when their artistry aligned with wider industry interest. Around this time, Lindsey won a Sky-sponsored talent competition for her song “Never Enough,” earning the opportunity to produce a professional music video for “Take All She Brings.” An upgrade to an eight-track studio further expanded their creative possibilities, and momentum appeared to be building.
However, just as recognition began to grow, their journey took an unexpected turn. The sudden death of Lindsey’s manager removed a key figure from their support system, and pregnancy soon followed, reshaping priorities and redirecting their focus. Rather than stepping away from music, Lindsey and Dave embraced an unconventional, fiercely independent approach. Balancing family life with artistic commitment, they became entirely self-sufficient, writing, performing, recording, producing, and mastering their own work. This independence defines Suris today. Lindsey takes full writing credits and leads on piano and keys, crafting rich lyrical narratives and emotionally nuanced melodies, while Dave focuses on guitars, drums, bass, and the technical precision of production, mixing, and mastering. Together, they play most of the instruments themselves, finishing each other’s musical sentences with an ease developed over years of collaboration. Their sound is often described as timeless, blending smooth, atmospheric arrangements with stories that are unusual, unsettling, and quietly subversive beneath their polished surface.
Reviewers have drawn comparisons to artists such as Kate Bush, Fleetwood Mac, Radiohead, Lorde, and Lana Del Rey, placing Suris within a broad spectrum that spans art rock, alternative rock, alternative folk, progressive rock, psychedelic rock, and dream pop. Hints of 1970s and 1980s nostalgia surface throughout their work, not as imitation, but as an organic influence filtered through decades of lived experience. Free from ego and industry pressure, Suris remain deeply committed to the song itself, allowing emotion, atmosphere, and narrative to guide every creative decision. Released on 5 December 2025, “Rare Brew” is a carefully curated collection that captures the essence of Suris’ artistic journey across time. Rather than presenting new material alone, the album brings together the songs that have most deeply resonated with listeners and industry professionals over the years, newly remastered to reflect Dave’s refined mastering skills and sonic vision.
The tracks on “Rare Brew” span recordings made between 2005 and 2015, with several songs, including “Big Ship,” “All Over Again,” and “Vertigo,” tracing their origins back to 1992, first recorded on a Fostex eight-track reel-to-reel tape machine. Notably, elements of those original recordings remain woven into the final versions, preserving their emotional authenticity while enhancing clarity and depth. “Rare Brew” moves effortlessly between styles, offering everything from straight-ahead pop to the avant-garde. Listeners can expect moments that feel comfortingly familiar alongside unexpected turns that challenge and intrigue. The album carries subtle echoes of the 1980s and 1990s, yet remains unmistakably original, shaped by years of independence, reflection, and artistic refinement. Above all, “Rare Brew” stands as a testament to Suris’ enduring creative spirit. It is an album brewed slowly, patiently, and with intention, a collection that invites listeners into a world where atmosphere, emotion, and storytelling are allowed to unfold naturally. With its re-release on 5 December 2025, “Rare Brew” offers both a reintroduction and a reaffirmation of Suris as artists who create music not for fleeting moments, but for lasting connection.
Rare Brew Album Track List:
Astrosurf:
“Astrosurf” by Suris opens “Rare Brew” with a slow, almost reverent sense of arrival, as though the song is gently emerging rather than beginning outright. The introduction is anchored by soft, carefully voiced piano chords that feel suspended in space, immediately establishing a mood of introspection and quiet wonder. There is a stillness here that feels intentional, inviting the listener into a reflective state before a single word is sung. When the lead vocal finally enters, it does so with a fragile calm that feels deeply human, unforced, intimate, and emotionally transparent. The voice carries a tender restraint, hovering delicately above the piano as if reluctant to disturb the serenity already in place. The phrasing is measured and expressive, allowing emotion to seep through the spaces between lines. From the very first moments, “Astrosurf” feels less like a song designed for impact and more like an emotional environment being carefully built, one gentle layer at a time.
As the track unfolds, the song reveals its quiet sophistication through gradual instrumental expansion. Subtle guitar textures drift in, lightly brushed and atmospheric, adding depth without pulling focus away from the vocal narrative. Then comes a pivotal moment, the understated entrance of percussion, which introduces a gentle but unmistakable shift in energy. Rather than breaking the song’s calm, the percussion deepens it, providing a soft rhythmic grounding that gives the track forward motion while preserving its dreamlike quality. This moment feels like a quiet awakening, where the song subtly lifts itself from stillness into motion. The drums are restrained and tastefully mixed, acting more as a heartbeat than a driving force, and this careful choice allows the emotional weight of the song to remain intact. The vocal delivery grows more assured here, not louder, but more emotionally present, as if leaning further into the sentiment of the song. Background harmonies appear with ghostlike subtlety, enriching the emotional texture and reinforcing the song’s sense of depth and intimacy. The production shines in its ability to let each element breathe, nothing crowds the mix, and every sound feels purposeful and emotionally aligned.
In its final stretch, “Astrosurf” settles into a beautifully sustained emotional space, maintaining its delicate balance between movement and stillness. The percussion continues to guide the song gently forward, while the instrumentation subtly swells and recedes, creating a sensation of emotional ebb and flow rather than a traditional climax. There is a quiet confidence in how the song refuses to overstate itself; instead, it trusts its atmosphere and emotional honesty to carry the listener through to the end. The closing moments feel reflective and open-ended, echoing the calm of the introduction while leaving behind a lingering emotional resonance. As the song fades, it doesn’t feel finished so much as gently released, allowing its mood to linger long after the final notes dissolve. “Astrosurf” stands as a beautifully composed piece that showcases Suris’ mastery of subtlety, where emotion is conveyed through nuance, space, and restraint, and it serves as a graceful, emotionally grounding opening statement for “Rare Brew”.
Great Wide Open:
“Great Wide Open” by Suris unfolds with a sense of quiet confidence, easing the listener into its world through a carefully measured introduction that feels both expansive and intimate. The song begins with gentle, shimmering instrumentation that immediately suggests openness and possibility, as if the music itself is breathing in before taking its first step forward. Soft keys and atmospheric textures form the foundation, creating a luminous backdrop that feels calm yet expectant. When the vocal enters, it does so with a composed warmth, carrying an emotional clarity that feels reassuring rather than dramatic. There is an unspoken optimism in the way the melody rises and falls, balanced by a subtle restraint that keeps the song grounded. From the very start, “Great Wide Open” establishes itself as a reflective piece, one that invites contemplation while quietly hinting at emotional movement beneath the surface.
As the track progresses, its layered beauty begins to fully reveal itself. The arrangement gradually widens, introducing delicate guitar lines and gentle rhythmic elements that enhance the song’s sense of motion without overwhelming its peaceful core. The percussion appears with soft precision, adding a steady pulse that gives the track a subtle forward drive, reinforcing the feeling of journey and emotional progression. This rhythmic presence brings a quiet lift to the song, shifting it from pure atmosphere into something more grounded and purposeful. Vocally, the performance becomes more emotionally resonant, with phrasing that feels thoughtful and deeply connected to the song’s reflective mood. Harmonies drift in gracefully, adding emotional weight and a sense of depth, like distant echoes reinforcing the central melody. The production remains clean and spacious, allowing each element to sit comfortably in the mix while preserving the song’s airy, open quality.
In its later moments, “Great Wide Open” settles into a beautifully sustained emotional flow, maintaining its gentle momentum while allowing its atmosphere to fully bloom. There is no dramatic peak, but rather a steady emotional expansion that mirrors the song’s title, an openness that feels freeing and quietly affirming. The instrumentation subtly swells, then relaxes, creating a natural ebb and flow that feels organic and emotionally sincere. As the song draws to a close, the elements slowly recede, leaving behind a sense of calm resolution and reflective warmth. The ending feels deliberate and unhurried, giving the listener space to absorb the emotional journey the song has offered. “Great Wide Open” stands out as a tender, thoughtfully crafted piece that highlights Suris’ ability to blend atmosphere, melody, and emotional subtlety into a track that feels timeless, comforting, and quietly uplifting within the broader context of “Rare Brew”.
Warrior Queen:
“Warrior Queen” by Suris arrives with a sense of quiet majesty, unfolding in a way that immediately sets it apart within Rare Brew. The song opens with measured piano lines that feel deliberate and ceremonial, each note carrying weight and intention. There is an almost theatrical stillness in these opening moments, as though the track is preparing the listener for something emotionally significant rather than rushing to make an impression. When the vocal enters, it does so with poise and emotional depth, projecting strength without sacrificing vulnerability. The delivery feels composed yet expressive, suggesting resilience and inner resolve rather than outward force. From the outset, “Warrior Queen” establishes a tone of dignity and emotional presence, drawing the listener into a narrative that feels both personal and symbolic.
As the song progresses, its emotional architecture becomes more pronounced through carefully layered instrumentation. Subtle textures begin to surround the piano, soft ambient elements and restrained guitar tones that add dimension without overshadowing the core melody. The percussion enters gradually, not with urgency, but with purpose, introducing a steady rhythmic foundation that reinforces the song’s sense of forward movement and inner strength. This moment marks a gentle but important shift in energy, giving the track a more grounded presence while preserving its elegance. Vocally, the performance grows in confidence and emotional reach, with phrases that feel fuller and more assertive as the song unfolds. Background harmonies appear with tasteful restraint, enhancing the emotional gravity of the chorus-like moments and giving the song a cinematic breadth. The production is notably refined, allowing space for emotional expression while ensuring every element feels cohesive and intentional.
In its final section, “Warrior Queen” reaches a powerful sense of emotional balance rather than a dramatic climax. The instrumentation subtly swells, creating a feeling of triumph that remains understated and graceful. The rhythm holds steady, supporting the vocal as it delivers its final lines with quiet conviction and emotional clarity. As the song begins to draw to a close, elements gradually fall away, returning the listener to a sense of calm reflection while leaving behind a lingering impression of strength and resilience. The ending feels earned and thoughtfully resolved, echoing the song’s opening dignity while reinforcing its emotional core. “Warrior Queen” stands as one of the most emotionally grounded and thematically resonant moments on “Rare Brew”, showcasing Suris’ ability to convey power not through volume or excess, but through subtlety, control, and deeply felt expression.
Vertigo:
“Vertigo” by Suris introduces a noticeable shift in energy on “Rare Brew”, opening with a sense of motion that feels immediate and alive. From the very first moments, the song carries a forward-leaning momentum, driven by confident guitar lines that feel brighter and more animated than much of the surrounding material on the album. The introduction sets a slightly upbeat, almost restless tone, suggesting movement, uncertainty, and emotional momentum all at once. When the vocal enters, it does so with clarity and assurance, cutting cleanly through the instrumentation while still maintaining the warmth and emotional sensitivity that defines Suris’ sound. There is an engaging balance between control and freedom in the delivery, as if the voice is both steering the song and allowing itself to be carried by it. This opening section establishes “Vertigo” as a track that embraces motion and emotional lift without losing its thoughtful character.
As the song develops, its structure becomes more dynamic and expressive, with each element contributing to the sensation implied by the title. The rhythm section plays a central role here, with percussion providing a steady, driving pulse that pushes the song forward while keeping it grounded. The guitars expand in presence, layering textures that feel expansive and slightly raw, adding a classic rock-leaning edge to the track. There is a subtle exhilaration in the way the song builds, as melodic phrases rise and fall with a sense of emotional urgency. Vocally, the performance grows more animated, leaning into the song’s movement and emotional intensity without becoming overwhelming. Harmonies appear at key moments, thickening the sound and enhancing the sense of scale. The production remains clean yet energetic, allowing the interplay between vocals, guitars, and rhythm to feel both polished and alive, reinforcing the song’s sense of momentum and controlled chaos.
In its closing stretch, “Vertigo” sustains its energy while gradually easing into a sense of resolution. The instrumentation continues to pulse with purpose, but there is a subtle softening that brings emotional clarity to the song’s final moments. Rather than ending abruptly, the track allows its elements to breathe, letting the guitars and rhythm gently settle as the vocal delivers its concluding lines with confidence and composure. The ending feels reflective without losing the song’s forward-moving spirit, as if the emotional rush has found its balance. “Vertigo” ultimately stands out as one of the more energetic and uplifting moments on “Rare Brew”, offering contrast while remaining deeply aligned with the album’s emotional core. It showcases Suris’ versatility, proving they can channel motion, brightness, and drive while still maintaining the thoughtful songwriting and atmospheric depth that define their sound.
Rare Brew is a timeless, emotionally rich journey where atmosphere, storytelling, and quiet resilience converge, rewarding patient listeners with lasting depth.
In its entirety, “Rare Brew” stands as a deeply considered and emotionally resonant body of work that reflects the rare patience and integrity with which Suris approach their craft, offering listeners an album shaped by time, lived experience, and unwavering artistic instinct. Rather than chasing immediacy or spectacle, Lindsey and David Mackie invite the listener into a carefully constructed world where atmosphere, storytelling, and emotional nuance take precedence, allowing each song to unfold naturally and reveal its meaning through subtle detail and restraint. The album’s breadth, moving effortlessly from intimate, stripped-back moments to more expansive and unconventional arrangements, showcases a duo fully in command of their creative language, unafraid to explore vulnerability, resilience, motion, and quiet introspection within the same sonic space. “Rare Brew” rewards attentive listening, revealing new textures, emotional undercurrents, and narrative connections with each return, making it particularly compelling for audiences who value depth over distraction and artistry over trend. It is highly recommended for listeners drawn to art rock, dream pop, and alternative music rooted in strong songwriting and evocative atmosphere, as well as for those who appreciate music that feels timeless rather than time-bound. Ultimately, “Rare Brew” is not just a collection of songs, but a testament to creative endurance and emotional honesty, an album that lingers long after its final notes, offering comfort, reflection, and quiet inspiration to anyone willing to truly listen.
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