BASEMENT - COLOURMEINKINDNESS 10TH ANNIVERSARY Vinyl 2xLP
On it's initial release in 2012, Colourmeinkindness found Basement pulling from not only one of emo’s zeniths–early Sunny Day Real Estate–but also channeling heavy and sometimes hazy ‘90s alt-rock, with hints of behemoths like Pixies, Silverchair, and Catherine Wheel shaping the sound. Vocalist Andrew Fisher fit that grunge mold of a maudlin-but-thoughtful protagonist, ruminating on toxic relationships, personal desolation, and desperate longing, with slivers of optimism occasionally peeking through. From the dynamic one-two punch of churning opener “Whole” into the balladic doom of “Covet”, to the sneering grunge of “Black” and gentle ease of “Comfort”, Basement effortlessly moved between sounds and styles while keeping the underlying energy of their roots in punk and hardcore.Colourmeinkindness quickly won over fans old and new, but the members of Basement had already committed themselves to exploring other avenues in their lives and after a few impressive record release shows, the group went on hiatus. When they eventually returned the ripples of Colourmeinkindness were already clear: A thriving scene had begun to crop up around Basement’s like-minded peers. Bands such as Balance and Composure, Superheaven, and Title Fight were reviving alt-rock radio for the YouTube generation and moving from being VFW staples to playing sizable venues. Post-hardcore, shoegaze, and grunge were becoming prevalent influences amongst new punk and emo bands. Newer acts were forming with a nod very much towards that ‘90s rock/emo crossover sound that Colourmeinkindess had captured so astonishingly well.With Colourmeinkindess Basement had begun to signal a sea change that would shape the next decade of big-room guitar music in a major way. Now the album’s 10th anniversary expanded reissue offers a chance to rediscover the record. This unforgettable release has been updated with an embossed slipcase, updated artwork with photos and retrospective liner notes from the band, as well as a second disc that features an etched D-side. The release includes alternate versions and stripped-back arrangements of many of the album’s tracks, recalling the iconic MTV Unplugged’s from the likes of Oasis or Nirvana. It’s an alternative view of the same era Colourmeinkindness drew from, and one that provides new tonal perspective and insight into a defining moment for Basement and the path they would unexpectedly send a subgenre on over the following 10 years.