The return of Basement was completely unexpected, given the relatively short period between their supposed “final” show and the announcement they actually weren’t finished yet. If Promise succeeds at one thing, however, it’s that it serves as an ends to justify the means. This is an album that swiftly and definitively trumps the band’s two previous LPs – and neither were slouches in any respect.
Promise Anything consists of grunge-tinged alt-rock sprinkled with melodic lessons learned from turn of the century punk rock. Though, what sets its apart are the sharper dynamic twists and paced-out emotive bursts. Lead single Aquasun is one of the best examples of this approach working in Basement’s favour, with washed-out verses leading up to a walloping chorus. The title track packs plenty of information into its two and a half minute runtime, churning out frenetic pedal-stomping riffs and executing a solid compromise between the band’s past and present.
That, in turn, should hopefully mean more promising things for Basement’s future. Promise Everything is already one of the year’s most rewarding rock records, affirming that the band’s second wind was worthwhile.
BY DAVID JAMES YOUNG
