Music > Live Reviews

Basement @ the Waterfront

15/02/16

When 5 piece rock band Basement went AWOL 3 years ago, it left old and new fans alike completely distraught, with lack of hope that there would be a reunion. Although the band left us with the mellow yet amazing tones of their 2012 album release Colourmeinkindness, and their previously well received albums and EP's, which are home to some of their more intimate and personal songs, some would say the UK emo/rock music scene came to a halt. Although this gave the band time to grow, develop their sound, and develop skills and lives outside of creating music, I would be lying if I said we weren't all awaiting the day they picked the guitars and drumsticks back up, and returned to what they knew best...writing and making incredible music.  Years passed and we saw the return of the boys in the form of a new album, Further Sky released in the summer of 2014, then soon to follow a sell out UK tour, but from that point on, a lot of their efforts went towards the American and European scene, touring with bands such as The Story So Far, Brand New and many more. 

 On the 11th of February, The Waterfront opened its doors to a large group of excited, bustling fans as Basement returned on tour, with friends and musical talents, Tigers Jaw and Newcomer Alex G. I was lucky enough to go along. 

Although previously unaware of Alex G's music before the evening, I approached his time on stage with open eyes and ears. The Philadelphian born musician gave a captivating set, although a weak start on the first song, which unfortunately sounded off, jarred and underprepared, especially when playing to a crowd that were still streaming in, admiring merchandise, grabbing drinks and greeting friends. Tough crowd. Eventually, as the vibe settled, the sound grew natural and the band became to look at ease, backed with confidence that the once distracted crowd were now focused on the stage. Presenting a sound that almost mirrored Radiohead very slightly, but more towards the raw sound of Creep rather than the softness of High And Dry. The crowd seemed to enjoy it thoroughly, including myself. Definitely one to watch, with great stage presence and some promising sounds, although may need developing and perfecting.

Next on are the well established Tigers Jaw who caught the whole crowd's attention, unquestionably being as equally awaited for as headliners Basement. The set was beautifully structured, opening with dearly loved track Hum and then slowly moving through what would be described as a perfect and captivating set list, including Arms Across America which is rarely performed live. Halfway during the set, front man Ben Walsh swapped his electric for an acoustic, and continued to play tracks such as Plane Vs Tank Vs Submarine, which then perfectly ushered in TG's First Lady Brianna Collins' beautiful solo cover of Never Saw It Coming, which went down a treat. With this under their belt already, the band still full of surprises, then went on to cover The Cure's Inbetween Days which was timed and performed with nothing but sheer talent, beaming a mature knowledge of music and performance skills. The set had a strong influence from their 2008 self titled album, which I believe is home to some of their most appreciated and well thought out work; this made for a set which fell into place perfectly, and seemed as if this was nothing less than the natural way of listening to the bands history of songs.  All in all, Tigers Jaw gave a excellent performance, captivating the crowd at all times possible and not letting them go until that final note of the last song. A treat to see live, not just music, but a performance. All in all, absolutely spectacular. 

The wait was over, and drinks were soon swapped for finger pointing and crowd surfing, often a go-to move as many know plastic flimsy cups and rock music do not mix well, unless one enjoys being soaked in Carlsberg; each to their own I suppose, but I for one will give it a miss. Opening with Brother's Keeper from newest album Promise Everything, Andrew Fisher and the rest of the band had us in the palm of their hand. Taking us on a journey through a well thought out setlist, there was a well appreciated balance between new and old songs. The set was not overpowered by the release of newest album which first became possible to stream and purchase just under a week ago. Many bands would have taken this opportunity to maximise sales and showcase the pieces they had been working on over the past few months, but this was not the case here, and I for one was very glad of this decision. The set list captivated old and new fans, playing a just off balance between tracks from newer albums Further Sky and Promise Everything, in comparison to those from their older albums, Colourmeinkindness and I Wish I Could Stay  which I think are home to their more intimate and better work. The set continued and the crowd did not grow tired of energy or passion. The old songs came out in bulk, and were a force to be reckoned with, Spoiled, Crickets Throw Their Voice and Canada Square: once again, the older songs have the same harder sounding vibes, with strong drums and powering guitar chords, the songs felt natural to be played so closely together, as if the band had never split, and the songs still sound as beautiful as they did before Basement ever progressed onto their new releases. This was the Basement we all fell in love with, as opposed to the Basement many learned to grow to love. The set continued, and there was an array of newer tracks, including their newest release Aquasun which mirrors a 90's rock vibe.

The night came to a close, and the band left the stage. Minutes passed and there was rumours of an encore through word of mouth from other previous dates of the tour such as Manchester and Leeds, after a few moments of chants, the lights dimmed and front singer Andrew Fisher returned to stage with an acoustic guitar; what was to come was something that I did not expect. Yoke, being one of Basement's heavier songs, had been stripped back and performed as an acoustic, and it was nothing short of beautiful, the crowd at ease due to the intimacy and connection between this man and a room full of lifetime fans. It was a wonderful moment to experience, and I had never felt so proud to be a fan of a band that had come so far from where they began in Ipswich. To welcome them back home in Norwich felt nothing short of natural and deserving. But of course, it is not in Basement's nature to leave us feeling melodramatic and reflective, and no one wanted to leave with the mood that had just been set; it would just feel wrong. Not long after, the entirety of the band filled the stage, and then went on to perform arguably their best known song Covet in all of its glory. The best possible end to a truly incredible set. 

The night drew to a close and I was feeling overwhelmed at the talent that I had seen previously over the evening. A well deserved evening, for a well deserving city. It's nice to see Norwich dishing out such a great night, and hosting a line up which many appreciated greatly. 

Until next time, Basement. You were awesome.