Album Review: Basement - Colourmeinkindness

 

Even though Basement called it quits in 2012 their second full length album Colourmeinkindness is so worth mentioning and needs to be heard from as many people as possible.

Basement was a UK punk rock/post hardcore band formed in 2009 in Ipswich. When I first heard about them in 2010 they had just released the Songs About the Weather EP. Their sound then was a combination of Lifetime and early Saves the Day, and I was amazed to hear a UK band playing that kind of punk rock. It was love from a first listen.

Basement was gathering more and more attention and it didn't take long before they were spotted and signed by an American label - Run For Cover Records. The band released a Two Songs 7 " and started working on their first LP.

I Wish I could Stay Here was released in 2011 and felt like the second part of Songs About The Weather. Only this time the songs were not so fast-paced, but more melodic and diverse. Many songs from that record became live show anthems but the one I love the most is "Crickets Throw Their Voice".

"Breathing's not easy when you're underwater. I am drowning and you're keeping me under.

Close your eyes, sleep outside. it's warmer than in here. I'll be fine, I'll run and hide. I wish I could stay here."

In 2012 Basement released their sophomore effort Colourmeinkindness and right after that the band announced they would be entering indefinite hiatus. Basement began their "goodbye" touring and played their final show in London on the 17th of November 2012.

While their 90s emo influences were obvious in Songs About The Weather EP and I Wish I Could Stay Here, Colourmeinkindness was a completely different page in the band's musical approach. Songs like "Whole", "Covet" and "Wish" sound like they were written by a grunge band from Seattle in the early 90s. And lead vocalist Andrew Fisher is a brilliant songwriter as well:

"Deep inside this hole, I will offer you my soul. Waiting, hoping with each breath That you will leave it in my chest.

Lie to me. Make me see."

"You are, Everything. My most, Demanding dream.

When I'm with you, I don't want to be with you."

"Pine" is probably the song that is closest to the Midwest emo in the 90s. It is slower than the others and not as distorted. Again not only the music makes an impression:

"Special, I wish you were special. But I can't think of you that way. Want me, I need you to want me. I hate myself, but that's ok.

Because I never have enough. I don't love you, I just need to be loved.

Want me, I need you to want me. I hate myself, but that's ok."

Colourmeinkindness closes with "Wish". For me this song is the cherry on the top of this record. It is beautiful, emotional and the guitar work is quite impressive. It also features my favorite lines:

"Green eyes on a blue-eyed child. Please can you stay (a while).

Maybe I'll wait, until my thoughts about you change, And the love that I once had returns again."

Colourmeinkindness is a remarkable record created with so much passion. I can only hope that one day Basement will do at least some reunion shows because a band like that will be definitely missed.