Basement 'Colourmeinkindness'

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 'Colourmeinkindness' had captured so astonishingly well.