Basement - Songs About The Weather (2010)

Forming in 2009, Basements EP, Songs About The Weather (2010), is their first properly recorded release (a Demo was released previously in 2009). The 6-track EP was released on various coloured viynl and limited releases on cassette tape via independent label, City of Gold Records.

The themes explored are very typical to Basement and other bands in the 'Emo Hardcore' genre, alot of the songs being about love, leaving home and personal struggles with life. 'White Elephant', the last track on the EP, is a song Andrew (frontman) wrote about a personal experience with a girl he loved ("Remember when we went to the city? You held my hand as we got off the train....Everything you told me was a lie, something to make me feel better inside").

The tracks themselves are all relatively short, sticking to 2 to 2 and a half minute long songs with no prominent choruses but there are very catchy hooks. Unlike their two other album (I Wish I Could Stay Here and Colourmeinkindness both out via Run For Cover Records) the tracks are very fast (fast for the genre) similar to their 'Grunge' influences. The guitars compliment each other very well in classic Basement style. Often a melodic riff is placed over a simple powerchord progression and the album is best listened to with both headphones to hear both guitar parts compliment each other.

 The songs that really stand out are '1104 Porter Street', 'White Elephant' and 'Skip Town', but all tracks are easy and enjoyable to listen to. There isnt a dipping point in the EP, its all killer, no filler. 9/10 


Video: Basement - Skip Town/1104 Porter Street/ Spoiled Live (Last American Tour)

Buy: http://basement.bandcamp.com/album/songs-about-the-weather
(Hard copies sold out (Long ago))

Download Here: http://www.mediafire.com/download/bmid4803kus6w53/Basement-+Songs+About+The+Weather.rar

Wavves - King Of The Beach (2010)

San Diego Surf Rock band, Wavves formed in 2008 and via Fat Possum Records  in 2010 released there 3rd album 'King Of The Beach'.  With success in touring and playing a festivals like SXSW and Lollapalooza. This year on July 26th, Wavves, are playing at Splendour In the Grass (Sold Out) in Australia so if you have a ticket be sure to see them.

The album is generally a classic summer beach time album but it has its sombre moments. Songs like 'Mickey Mouse' really differ from songs like the title track, 'King Of The Beach', but it creates a nice contrast throughout it. The tracks that stand out are, 'Super Soaker', 'Idiot' and 'Post-Acid' all nice and upbeat with simple positive messages.

The guitar tone is really good but if the guitar were to be turned up a little and made clearer in the studio (even if they were going for a rawer, grittier, 'grunge' sound) it would be just that little bit easier to listen to. The melodies/twin vocals work well but again the drums need to be toned down a bit so the bass is more prominent, especially as they are a 3-piece.

A fun, positive, 'hanging out with friends' record that puts a smile on your face. Every listen.
8/10
Video: Wavves - King Of The Beach (Official Video)

Buy Here: http://www.fatpossum.com/products/king-of-the-beach

Download Here: http://www66.zippyshare.com/v/57143063/file.html