It’s been a great year for Run For Cover records.  By showcasing the talents of acts like The Wonder Years, Fireworks and Man Overboard, to name just a few, Run For Cover has arguably the most impressive band roster of any independent record label in the U.S. right now.  The most recent addition to this musical clout, however, hails from the UK: Basement’s debut full-length, I Wish I Could Stay Here.  Merging the raucous elements of Title Fight with more melodic and intricate song structures, these young Brits can expect the four-year-anticipated record to be well received both sides of the Atlantic.

The band, self-described as an “emo” quintet, is influenced by a variety of sounds, from label-mates Title Fight (whom they do sound dangerously similarly to) to alt-rock pioneers Brand New and that little grunge three-piece, Nirvana.  Thus, whilst the emotional genre is the consistent foundation for this ten-track record, shining on “Grey Scale,” the bricks and mortar are an array of pop-punk and post-hardcore, which makes for a sturdy result.  The introduction witnesses a grainy quote from 1950’s film An Affair to Remember with the words “It’s now or never” igniting a pounding instrumental and then the introduction of lead vocalist Andrew Fisher, whose strained voice provides sentiment and belligerence, if not a little monotonous at times.

After finishing second track “Plan To Be Surprised,” you could mistake the record for Title Fight’s Shed; however, “Canada Square” effectively conveys Basement’s distinctive sound with a sharp and ascending guitar hook, compounded by crashing symbols and tormented screams from the front man, which descend into a serene outro evocative of American Football. “Earl Grey” has a reverse structure, openings with a relaxed, peaceful and enjoyable melodious lead, which transforms into a thunderous and rapid hardcore piece.

“Every Single Word” represents Basement’s hardcore forays at their best, being the only song under two-minutes—characteristically short—Andrew Fisher’s vocals remind the listener of Swede skate-punkers Millencolin’s Nikola Sarcevic.  Followed by the similarly composed “Yoke,” chorus lyrics “This is me against the world” are particularly memorable, sang with the same torment that the words imply.

“Crickets Throw Their Voice” signifies Basement’s ability to integrate a more popular element into their sound, while still maintaining their overcast outlook, using the album title as the central hook in the chorus to great success, and singing “Breathing’s not easy//When you’re under water,” on the verge of pop-punk.  Later, the upbeat instrumental “Elipses” builds upon this, which ultimately concludes with album ender “March.”  Saving the best for last, “March” sees Fisher scale back the yelling, mixed with a paradoxically dreary yet buoyant guitar riff that falls somewhere between Smashing Pumpkins and Weezer. 

Basement already has a considerable underground following.  What I Wish I Could Stay Here should do for the band is establish them as a credible act that refuses to pigeonhole their song-writing to one form or genre.  Whilst underpinned by a sometimes depressingly emo constituent, Basement use their talents to ensure that they keep each track refreshing, pleasing old fans and attracting new ones too and allowing them to contend with their American opposition.

★★★.5/★★★★★

*This review was composed by Ramsey Marwan