Review
BASEMENT – COLOURMEINKINDNESS
Released 22nd October 2012 (Run For Cover Records)
Words: Tom Willmott
Following the release of their latest record plus a couple of shows in November, Basement have let it be known they are set for an indefinite hiatus. The Ipswich five piece never had it particularly easy even in their earlier existence as a pop rock outfit but at least with their final album they appear to be bowing out with some dignity.
There are definite elements here that show they they were heading in the right direction. The strong post-hardcore influence in lead single “Spoiled”, is almost like an ode to Sunny Day Real Estate and the rest of the album has a number of gems such as “Bad Apple” and “Black”, where the band really shows how to mesh the heavy riffs with melodic tones. The problem is there are no killer tracks that leap out and become embedded in your psyche. That said, the subtle tones of “Comfort” do make for an enjoyable, insidious and soothing listen.
Whilst this may have not been the perfect swan song, it proves the band didn’t warrant the negative backlash they received from certain quarters. And although Basement may have only existed for a couple of years, their achievements seem greater than many other acts of that duration in recent times. Some members are already lined up to morph into newly formed bands such as The November Group and it will be interesting to see how they progress in their future roles.
