LIVE FROM THE PIT: Basement (At their intimate album release tour)

Ipswich’s alt-rock icons BASEMENT became a well-known name throughout the UK grunge scene over a decade ago, mainly thanks to the release of their cathartic second full-length record Colourmeinkindness in 2012, as well as a formidable stage presence that saw them open for acts such as BRING ME THE HORIZON and would establish a cult following that wouldn’t falter even after a half-decade hiatus from releasing music. 

To celebrate the band’s highly anticipated return with WIRED, the 5-piece announced an intimate tour across UK venues to test the water with their new material and return to their humble roots. This was a no-nonsense ordeal, lacking any support acts to rile up the fans, and as we waited in the dimly lit venue, it became clear that this was a crowd that needed no assistance in amping themselves up. The pit was antsy, those in groups hyped each other up, and those alone fed off this energy, like a chemical reaction created from a feral urge to rock. 

As the lights dimmed at a sensible 8 pm, the now densely packed Fleece whooped and hollered, eager to get the show started, as the band took to the stage with the titular track of their freshly released album, crashing throughout the room and setting the motion of the pit into swing. As is expected, ANDREW FISHER made certain to make a huge first impression on any audience member experiencing the band for the first time, leaping and careening about while delivering raw, confident vocals as he has done for many years. The momentum held through The Way I Feel, another single from the latest LP, the fans showing approval by shouting the lyrics back at ANDREW.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p83I-tkLcSo

With just a moment to breathe, the first chords of the band’s viral sensation Covet rang out, and immediate pandemonium ensued, fingers pointing in the air and voices calling from each crevice of the venue, plus the first of countless stage invasions, which is, of course, encouraged by the group. The sting of nostalgia and adoration towards the angsty hit was ripe over the floor at that moment. 

It is without question that the connection between band and audience is akin to family, as frontman ANDREW takes a moment to advise, “this stage is crazy small, if you’re jumping up, be careful, and please be sure to catch people”, said not long after bassist DUNCAN STEWART pulled up a stumbling fan. A few tracks deeper into the set, ANDREW tells the crowd, “We had a message from someone who said their kid is allowed to come to the show because they revised for their GCSEs…this one is for you, good luck with your exams”, toning down the energy with the song Head Alight, a heartfelt track delivered with crushing emotional impact. Taking a glance at the setlist, the frontman then humorously admits that the last song was dedicated to a venue security member who liked the song, showing a deep level of respect and appreciation as a band towards venue staff to take the time to learn this and nod to it. The next track, Time Waster is instead performed in the name of the young fan. 

The calmer, melancholic section of the set offered a moment of repose before collapsing back into ferocity with Pine, another classic in the discography, as each member poured soul and energy into their performance. Drummer JAMES FISHER (brother of vocalist ANDREW) was far better heard than seen at the back of the stage, yet clearly animated while blasting the beat through the cosy venue. Closing out the high-octane set was the standout punk banger Promise Everything, which summoned a swarm of fans to the stage, with limbs flying all over in a frightening display of adrenaline and hardcore passion. The four standing band members dodged person after person, drenched in sweat, as the frontman grasped the microphone and roared the final chorus of the night. It’s admirable to see the level of respect and community within the fanbase; no attempts to engage with the band were made by those clambering onto the stage, and those in the pit were catching those jumping without hesitation, despite only having moments to put down the last body before the next was hauling at them. 

The mayhem ceased just as fast as it had begun, as the band disembarked with a wave and a simple “cheers, Bristol”, as the crowd chanted and whistled them off. If there’s any impression to take away from this short yet mighty set, it’s that BASEMENT’s chokehold on the UK’s underground alt-rock scene will not be extinguished any time soon, and we welcome them back wholeheartedly.

Words and Photos: Paul Cutts