Canadian indie rockers The Sarandons make a powerful return with their second full-length album, Drawing Dead, a record that strikes a delicate balance between raw emotion and defiant optimism. Recorded largely live off the floor, the album captures the band’s evolution as they shift from tightly gripping the past to embracing the liberating act of letting go. With richly layered instrumentation and introspective lyricism, Drawing Dead explores themes of loss, resilience, and acceptance while delivering moments of electrifying energy.
At the core of the album lies the title track, “Drawing Dead,” a poignant reflection on confronting life’s inevitable struggles and finding purpose amidst adversity. The song juxtaposes its heavy thematic undertones with shimmering synths, bright guitar riffs, and an anthemic melody that evokes a sense of renewal. While the phrase “drawing dead” originates from poker, referring to a hand that cannot win regardless of the cards dealt, the song reframes this notion as a metaphor for perseverance and finding peace in the face of insurmountable odds.
“‘Drawing Dead' is about grappling with the cards you’re dealt and learning to move forward with grace,” explains lead vocalist Dave Suchon. “It’s not just about defeat—it’s about understanding the steps of acceptance and ultimately discovering a way to rebuild.”
The album itself is a sonic journey through the wreckage of middle adulthood, blending snapshots of the past with reflections on the present. Much like flipping through an old photo album, the songs explore fragmented memories and life’s impermanence while embracing the opportunity for growth and renewal. Suchon describes it as “moving through the wreckage, finding the courage to let go, and allowing space for something new to emerge.”
Drawing Dead showcases The Sarandons' signature ability to weave together gritty heartland rock with modern indie sensibilities. From Craig Keeney’s soaring guitar solos to Damian Coleman’s melodic bass lines and Matthew Cummings’ atmospheric keys, the band’s dynamic musicianship is on full display. At the same time, the group made a deliberate effort to strip back certain elements, opting for a more minimalist and spacious approach in both arrangement and production.
“We wanted this record to feel organic and immediate,” Suchon explains. “Working with producer Will Crann, we focused on capturing a live energy in the studio. We simplified the arrangements to let each melodic element shine, creating space that gives the songs room to breathe and feel expansive.”
The Sarandons’ long-standing chemistry is a driving force behind the album’s cohesion and authenticity. Comprising five collaborators who’ve known each other for nearly two decades—Suchon (vocals, guitar), Coleman (bass, vocals), Cummings (keys, vocals), Keeney (lead guitar), and Skot (drums)—the band brings a depth of experience and trust to their songwriting process. Over the years, they’ve shared stages with celebrated Canadian artists such as City and Colour, JJ Wilde, Kiwi Jr., and Kasador, further cementing their place in the indie rock scene.
Drawing Dead is more than an album; it’s a reflection of life’s complexities, the fragility of human connection, and the resilience required to move forward. With its emotional depth and sweeping soundscapes, the record solidifies The Sarandons as one of Canada’s most compelling indie rock acts.
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