Rock Archeologia

The Basics - The Basics (2010 MGM/The Three Basics) 

Artist/Band: The Basics
Album:  /ðə'bæzɪtʃ/
Label: MGM / The Three Basics
Catalog#: 3B0050758
Format: CD, Album
Country: Australia
Released: 2010
Format: FLAC (tracks)
Genre: Rock, Indie Rock
Duration: 00:55:01

• The Basics have pulled a Radiohead on us. Those three kind lads from Melbourne have released their fourth album for free and it’s a self-titled affair that also goes by the phonetic name,  /ðə'bæzɪtʃ/. Recorded at the Northcote Social Club in their hometown, it’s made available without gimmicks, disclaimers or other bullshit rules.
• This is the group that once boasted “Nice harmonies, nice looks, nice lunch” and while the suits have since been packed away, the old school DIY spirit remains potent because they figure that their music is bigger than the money. Now /??'b?z?t?/ is not something that has been hastily put together, it was mixed at a little recording studio you may have heard of (only Abbey Road Studios in London). It features 14 songs that are lifted mainly from their past two records, Stand Out/Fit In and Keep Your Friends Close and in keeping with their live sets, there are also a couple of cheeky covers. Basically, this is something that provides evidence against the adage: you get what you pay for.
• The collection captures the group’s infamous live spirit. On the one hand it verges on a raw and freewheeling energy that brims with harmonies, while at other moments it’s just a rip-roaring, good time with a soundtrack by one tight and powerful rock ‘n’ roll band. The boys have over 1000 gigs under their belts and this experience shines through with every solid note on offer here.
There’s a little something for every listener as the group themselves are known for having dabbled in rock, indie pop and nostalgic rock ‘n’ roll centrepieces. “The No. 1 Cause of Death Amongst Youth Today” is a big number with Queen’s harmonies and plenty of rocking twists and turns. “Better” meanwhile, is a full ballad that hints at Neil Young’s “Ohio” and “Have Love, Will Travel” looks back to the beginning of that turbulent decade. A cover of a Richard Berry song (that has been updated by The Black Keys, among others), it sounds like a sixties lovechild covered in ponchos and patchouli oil and a cross between The Easybeats and The Animals.
• Elsewhere there’s some Shadows guitar riffage (“Second Best”); a Coasters cover (“Three Cool Cats”); and some Status Quo inspired girls and guitar-fuelled rock (“What Have You Done?”) “The Executioner” hints at The Specials with its tonne of brass but it also holds its own as a saucy, black widow-style murder ballad. The Basics close this release by embracing their inner pop idols with a cover of “You Got It (The Right Stuff)” by New Kids On The Block.
• The band has acknowledged that their previous works saw them attempt to bring their live energy into the studio, often with hit-and-miss consequences. This time around they decided to do a switcheroo by bringing the studio to their frantic, live environment. In doing so, it’s safe to say they also pulled the switch on a few fans’ perspectives encouraging them to turn on and tune in to their trademark blend of clean and cheerful, pop tunes. All that’s left now is to take those old records off the shelf. - Natalie Salvo

-------- ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ --------

  • Tracklist:

01. The No. 1 Cause of Death Amongst Youth Today 03:11  
02. Better 04:11
03. Like A Brother 04:05
04. Second Best 04:29
05. Have Love, Will Travel 02:25
06. What Have You Done? 04:01
07. Rattle My Chain 03:53
08. Feels Like Love 05:13
09. U R The 1 03:54
10. Three Cool Cats 03:07
11. Lookin' Over My Shoulder 04:40
12. The Executioner 06:09
13. Just Hold On 02:38
14. You Got It (The Right Stuff) 02:59

   Recorded on location by Salt Studios on February 6, 2010
  at the Northcote Social Club, Northcote, Victoria, Australia.
   Mixed on August 4-6, 2010 at Abbey Road Studios,
  St. John’s Wood, London, NW8 9AY, United Kingdom.

   All songs written by Schroeder-De Backer, except Track 5 (Berry),
   Track 10 (Lieber-Stoller), Track 14 (Starr).

The Basics are:

Wally De Backer, Tim Heath and Kris Schroeder.
Additional musicians:
David Bramble - Vocals, Piano/Keys, Percussion
Simon Imrei - Vocal, Guitar
"Uncle" Monly Mackenzie - Saxophone
Gideon Brazil - Saxophone

-----  ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ ----- 

---