Since the release of the seminal ‘Colourmeinkindness’ and Basement’s subsequent short-lived indefinite hiatus, the Ipswich five-piece have unwittingly developed themselves into an underground sensation. By releasing an incredibly well-regarded album and almost immediately disbanding, Basement accurately embodied the inspirational quote, “always leave them wanting more.”
When more arrived in the form of 2014’s comeback EP, ‘Further Sky’, their loyal following rejoiced. It hinted at Basement’s new perspective, pushing the understated melodies that formed the backbone of ‘Colourmeinkindness’ firmly to the forefront. The spitting anger that had previously bubbled under the surface remained, making an appearance at carefully considered moments, albeit to a lesser extent.
It’s a direction continued on ‘Promise Everything’, Basement’s eagerly awaited – and that’s potentially even an understatement – comeback album proper. The anger has been subdued further, making space for Basement’s downbeat melodies. ‘Promise Everything’ is strongest when this move is fully embraced, with ‘For You The Moon’ and the title-track joining ‘Aquasun’ as notable standouts. Elsewhere, the record falls a little flat.
The complexities of ‘Colourmeinkindness’ are few and far between, with ‘Promise Everything’ yearning for a more pronounced step into new territory. A large proportion of the tracks feel safe, clinging closer to the band’s prior sound than their new ethos might warrant. Opportunities to truly go big are squandered, despite Basement proving elsewhere that they can do just that.
The result is somewhat reserved, a half-way point between the bleak nature of ‘Colourmeinkindness’ and the melodic cataclysm that Basement are hinting at. Everything in-between runs the risk of monotony, with the genuinely excellent standout moments pushing the rest towards obscurity.
‘Promise Everything’ is more a statement of intent than a definitive product. It’s the start of a journey that shows all the potential of leading somewhere truly special. Basement have provided a promise of something great, and with an unfaltering loyal fanbase behind them, have everything they need to deliver. Lacking the bite of ‘Colourmeinkindness’ or the unreserved confidence to push their sound, ‘Promise Everything’ isn’t the instant classic that it could be, but it’s at least a step in the right direction.
BEN TIPPLE