Joining us in the studio for this Indie Rock Hit Parade live session is an up-and-coming group fronted by a powerhouse vocal duo. You might have seen SUSU share the stage with Low Cut Connie and Catbite a few years back; now the New York-based band is putting the finishing touches on their debut album, Call Susie.
SUSU’s distinctive sound is centered around the shared vocals of Liza Colby and Kia Warren, who inject each song with electrifying attitude and energy. Supporting Colby and Warren are guitarist Joey Wunsch, bassist Connor McClelland and drummer Ronnie Bruno. On the eve of the band’s Valentine’s Day single release, SUSU made a special trip to our studio to preview the new record.
Setting the scene is “Psychedelic Gangster,” whose slow-burning intro layers vocal and instrumental parts until the full band erupts into a shout-along chorus. Released the week of the session recording, the band’s latest single “Mine” is a showcase for Warren’s show-stopping acrobatics. The session closes with the group’s signature cover of the Buzzcocks’ 1978 single “Ever Fallen in Love.” I was first introduced to SUSU through this cover; previous IRHP guest Sabrina Ellis of Sweet Spirit shared a video of the band’s thrilling live performance that’s rivaled by this in-studio rendition.
Listen to SUSU’s Indie Rock Hit Parade session below, and check out photos from the studio courtesy of the band’s photographer, Sarah Craig.
Watch John Vettese’s videos of the band performing “Psychedelic Gangster” and “Mine” via NPR Live Sessions.