There are a few reasons why you should care about Suckle: they are a band founded by ex-Vaselines Frances McKee, they are on the antiestablishment, flag-waving Chemikal Underground label, and they sound like a female-fronted Tindersticks fighting the urge to vomit up an overdose of Prozac. Partly, this is a consequence of McKee's sinister monotones guiding along melodies that just barely scrape the sky of what a struggling listener could call optimism. "So Happy Before" -- with touching echoes, minimalist piano, and slide guitar -- stretches the very definition of its title, while "Honey Suicide" builds up a subtle premise of angular basslines and soaring, sun-streaked choruses that will have you feeling elated and depressed at the exact same time. Suckle's brand of enchanted unhappiness should not be undervalued: The simple folk-pop of the past may be just a shadow, but this is the sound of a confused personality just aching to be discovered. ~ Dean Carlson, All Music Guide
Brian McEwan (Guitar), Elanor Taylor (Whistle (Human)), Frances McKee (Vocals), Marie McKee (Vocals), Alan Smith (Slide Guitar), Paul Savage (Engineer), Marie McKee (Melodica), Alan Barr (Cello), Kenny McEwan (Drums), Vicky Morton (Bass), Frances McKee (Guitar), Paul Savage (Producer), Brian McEwan (Glockenspiel), Elanor Taylor (Chant), Elanor Taylor (Melodica), Vicky Morton (Artwork), Vicky Morton (Photography), Marie McKee (Percussion), Elanor Taylor (Keyboards), Elanor Taylor (Flute)
