Basement - colourmeinkindness Review
What does Basement have to offer with colourmeinkindness? In short – a fitting swan song, of sorts.
rating:3.5
Colour me in organizational skills, because fuck knows I need them. Ive had this album streaming from a super secret link for about a week now, and today I realise Ive not actually reviewed it yet. On top of that I open my emails for the first time in the best part of a week to find my super-secret-stream is not so special anymore the band have been streaming the album on Rock Sound since Monday. I am not a professional. Anyhow, my own uselessness aside theres an album to review. colourmeinkindness is Basements second album. No mere sophomore effort though, colourmeinkindness is likely to be Basements swan song too the band having announced an indefinite hiatus to follow the albums touring duties this winter. Unfortunate news given that on this second album they appear to be really coming into their stride.
Their debut album, 2011s I Wish I Could Stay Here, saw the band getting pretty to very positive reviews on the alternative press from the likes of Absolute Punk, Sputnik Music et al so its sad to see a young bands career coming to a close so early. Especially before theyve had the chance to capitalize on their talent. Sorrow aside though, and sweeping whether or not this truly is the end under the carpet; what does Basement have to offer with colourmeinkindness? In short a fitting swan song, of sorts. Having come a long way since their Songs About The Weather EP, with its pop punk inflected charge, via their previously mentioned emotionally driven debut, Basement have fully matured into their sound on their sophomore. Starting the album with Whole, its clear to see that as its three minutes and ten seconds deliver a cathartic burst of melody that harkens back to the likes of Far and Sunny Day Real Estate with just a hint of modern hardcore bands like Title Fight. http://youtu.be/DnfSrqi5234 While its not wholly the most original sound (what is these days?), it is expertly done. Second track Covert being a prime example of this as it slows things down to a methodical lurch that makes big on the quiet-loud prototype of grunge, helping Andrew Fishers passionate howl come to the fore. Spoiled spices things up with some tempo switches and an instantaneous hook, and the odd guitar sound bringing to mind post-grungers InMe. So too does it deliver us the albums title in its opening lyrics Colour me in kindness, cover me with love, I am blessed. Though the band have matured into a sound here, it does veer into over familiarity as the album progresses with the occasional moment of genericism. The band do try to branch out with the likes of Pine and its almost grunge ballad/indie slow dance quality and lyrical references to Radiohead (special, I wish you were special referencing Creeps I wish I was special, youre so fucking special), Cheap Trick (want me, I need you to want me bringing to mind I Want You to Want Mes opening I want you to want me, I need you to need me) and Nirvana (I hate myself and thats okay varying Nirvanas I Hate Myself and I Want to Die). The song doesnt really go anywhere though, and its up for debate whether those lyrical references are intentional or not. I mean it could be my overactive imagination, it could be a knowing nod or it could be a sign that Basement are a little too ingrained with their influences. http://youtu.be/JIlnfUckEV8 Whilst I batted off originality earlier, the albums weakest moments fall foul of not being good enough to bypass the familiarity of their influences and peers. Bad Apple and Breathe for example, but there are still moments where the melody and the emotion ride the line just right, as with the half-instrumental and brief Comfort. Wish closes the album on a high, emotionally charged, chord driven and boasting a floatingly thoughtful middle eight that rises to a soaring peak before it falls. As a whole the album is a solid stepping stone in the right direction. As a swan song its fitting in its realization of the bands maturing, though conversely as a swan song its disappointing too. It only hints at the glory they couldve ended on, without truly reaching it. If they return after this indefinite hiatus, maybe theyll achieve their real potential. facebook bandcamp downloadOut on Monday October 23rd