Basement
Colourmeinkindness


4.0
excellent

Review

by Dan H. EMERITUS
November 12th, 2012 | 115 replies


Release Date: 2012 | Tracklist

Review Summary: An ode to the ghost of grunge past.

Barring a timely occurrence of the Lazarus effect, Basement is dead. ‘Colourmeinkindness’ is the swansong and final chapter from a band who loved what they did, loved it even more that you listened, and cherished every moment of their remarkably short journey. Whether you care to label them emo, grunge, or pop punk; or even care to label them at all, the proficiency and congruency with which Basement hone their craft on their second and final album is nothing short of brilliant.

Shades of Pearl Jam, Nirvana, and Sunny Day Real Estate are noticeable throughout, and as such comparisons are inevitable. Album highlight ‘Covet’ features a chorus that would have been positively snug had it lodged itself anywhere on Sunny Day Real Estate’s ‘Diary’. Featuring a typically low, distorted main riff that ambles rather than strides and a nonchalant vocal delivery that complements a morose chorus, ‘Covet’ is but one of the many tracks that demonstrates the tight, abrasive sound that Basement consistently creates. ‘Bad Apple’ is an acerbic metaphor for relationships gone by, featuring a heavy rhythm section and powerful drumming that is built upon by unambiguous lyrics; “I never learnt to truly burn, Bridges made in darker days”. Whilst album opener ‘Whole’ and third track ‘Spoiled’ deliver grunge inspired lead guitar lines and energetic choruses that recall and pay homage to Seattle’s finest at their 90’s peaks.

Rather than seeking to drive the songs forward, lead vocalist Andrew Fisher largely adopts a contemplative tone that merges well with the rough instrumentation that accompanies him. ‘Control’ sees Fisher practically whisper; “Fear, swallow me whole/Life, help me take control” repeatedly, against a foreboding backdrop in one of the album’s more atmospherically and lyrically perturbed efforts. The ballad-esque ‘Breathe’ sees a continuation of this delivery, only on a more ambitious and grand scale, clocking in at over five minutes as the album’s longest effort. Energy however, is delivered as and when required. Propelling the ending of ‘Spoiled’ into frenzy, Fisher almost screams “I keep on giving up!” in a reflection of misgivings and shortcomings that only love can evoke.

Album closer ‘Wish’ encapsulates all that shines about ‘Colourmeinkindness’. Opening with a soaring riff and a customarily powerful and interesting drumbeat, it ebbs and flows before descending into an excellent bridge and an even better chorus. Leaving us tantalisingly on the edge of our sonic seats, lines such as “Please can you stay a while” unwittingly reflect the thoughts of many a listener, who, at finale of their second album, will most certainly wish that it wasn’t their last.



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user ratings (597)
3.9
excellent
other reviews of this album
taxidermist (3.5)
Basement has never been about achieving anything; it was simply an enjoyable outlet for creativity a...



Comments:Add a Comment 
VheissuCrisis
Emeritus
November 12th 2012


1390 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Very nearly 4.5'd this, might well do in the future.

Vespiion
November 12th 2012


1224 Comments


Sad to see them go, but at least they left us with a good record.

foxblood
November 12th 2012


11237 Comments


thanks for reviewing this, it needed one

VheissuCrisis
Emeritus
November 12th 2012


1390 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

No worries man. I'm glad they went out on a high.

foxblood
November 12th 2012


11237 Comments


they went out with only fantastic releases so it's not so bad

henryChinaski
November 12th 2012


5094 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Nice review man. Sucks they are breaking up. Great record.

VheissuCrisis
Emeritus
November 12th 2012


1390 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Thanks man, it does feel a bit premature doesn't it. Who knows, they might comeback in the future.

Atari
Staff Reviewer
November 12th 2012


28009 Comments


I liked their debut but too grungy for me (don't like grunge)

pmmets07
November 12th 2012


5984 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

very nice concise review dawg. band comparisons are spot on.



i'm totally content with this album but i prefer their original sound. pine is soty doe

henryChinaski
November 12th 2012


5094 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Pine's my favorite too.

VheissuCrisis
Emeritus
November 12th 2012


1390 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Cheers pmmets, been trying to eliminate the waffle in my reviews lately.



Bad Apple is probably mine.

cvlts
November 12th 2012


9943 Comments


dont really understand the hype with bands like this but good review bro.

Cygnatti
November 12th 2012


36129 Comments


agreed

but y'know, whatevs

VheissuCrisis
Emeritus
November 12th 2012


1390 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Thanks both.

taxidermist
November 12th 2012


7267 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

@ThisLife Agreed. Basement isn't bad by any means, but god damn they get so much damn hype. Good dudes though. Def a lot of potential. Sucks that it won't be fully realized.

taxidermist
November 12th 2012


7267 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

This album is a solid 3.5 though.

henryChinaski
November 12th 2012


5094 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

In that case i did not notice said hype.

bakkermaarten007
November 12th 2012


5285 Comments


Was waiting for this to get reviewed. Reminded me instantly of SDRE.

henryChinaski
November 19th 2012


5094 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Last show full set

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Q8EIdqHAbA

pmmets07
November 19th 2012


5984 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

i'm so happy i got to see them when white elephant was still on their setlist



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