Basement – ‘Further Sky’

By Glen Bushell

Basement have never been a band to do things by halves. From announcing a hiatus at almost exactly the same time as sophomore album ‘Colourmeinkindness’ was released, to returning earlier this year with nothing but a simple “Hi” on Twitter, it’s easier to always expect the unexpected. This was much the case again when out of the blue, pre-orders for a new Basement 7″ appeared on the Run For Cover store and a new song debuted without any press or any hype, sending their fans into a frenzy once again. Those present on the emotional night of the last show before their hiatus, at the Underworld in Camden 2012, didn’t know when – or if – Basement were coming back. With ‘Further Sky’ they have come back swinging.

There is no point beating around the bush here, ‘Further Sky’ is fantastic. As with everything Basement do, it is a progression from the last release, and the sound of a band growing stronger and more accomplished. It would be easy to say that the sound of this EP is regressive, given the strong influence of early 90s indie on display, but what Basement have done so well here is take a formula from the past, put their own spin on it, and make it their own. Opener ‘Summer’s Colour’ is an up tempo slice of pop rock, that seamlessly combines alt-rock breakdowns and changes with a Swervedriver style melody. This theme is carried on with the stunning ‘Jet’ which is clearly going to be a future crowd pleaser, bouncing along like Teenage Fanclub meeting Saves The Day somewhere in the middle.

These songs really do sound like something Creation Records would have released circa 1992, yet – as previously mentioned – with a modern spin on them to make them sound like no one else other than Basement. The EP ends, once again, with something unexpected: a cover of ‘Animal Nitrate’ by Suede. Maybe it does lack that certain “swagger” that Brett Anderson and Bernard Butler gave the song originally, but the boys still make it sound their own by paying homage to one of the most iconic 90s anthems in a classy fashion.

It is impossible to get away from the current boom of 90’s revival bands, be they alt rock, indie, emo, shoegaze, and so on, and as exciting as this scene is, it could well dilute itself before it reaches its peak. Basement however, will not get lost in the wave of bands. ‘Further Sky’ isn’t a nostalgia trip, and never covers old ground, it is a statement of intent by a band ready to reclaim their seat at the top. Welcome back boys, you have been missed.

GLEN BUSHELL

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