find strength in love and community with r&b/soul collective the suffers’ new lp

Few acts have deserved their rise to success like the Houston 8-piece The Suffers. The soul outfit has been hitting the bricks since 2011, earning a reputation as one of the most electrifying live acts out there. Their self-titled debut earned them a string of accolades, including spots at AFROPUNK Brooklyn and Paris. Now two years after their debut, they’re back with their sophomore effort, the dynamic groove-filled Everything Here.

At it’s core, Everything Here is an album driven by community. “After the storm,” reflects the resilience of their hometown after the devastation of Hurricane Harvey. “I wanna see you / after the storm / you live right next to me / I can see over your fence / If you need anything / just call on me.” It’s a community-minded ethos that permeates the entire album, from the interludes that feature hometown icons like Bun B and Paul Wall to the powerful “A Word From Our Mammas,” which features words of encouragement from the mothers of each band member. Lead single “Do Whatever,” meanwhile brings in a crew of children chanting over the intro before ending with a kid declaring “that was fun!”

While much of the album’s run time is devoted to its community, the highlights tend to revolve around relationship. From the infectious single “I Think I Love You” to the infatuated “The One About Sace” to the closing heartbreak of “You Only Call.”

Though often lumped in with other throwback soul and R&B bands, The Suffers spend Everything Here expanding and refining their sonic palette, particularly on the standout ballad “Sure To Remain” which rides a minimalist drum machine pattern into a stunning string-driven climax, while singer Kam Franklin delivers one of her most nuanced emotional performances on the record. The album closes with its only real throwback jam, “Won’t Be Here Tomorrow.” It showcases a band whose subtle innovations set them apart.

Everything Here is out now. Stream it above, and don’t miss them on tour. More info at http://www.thesuffers.com/