Basement – Colourmeinkindness (orange vinyl)

On their first release in 2012, Colourmeinkindness drew not only from the zenith of emo - early Sunny Day Real Estate - but also from the heavy and sometimes hazy alt-rock of the 90s, with echoes of greats like Pixies, Silverchair and Catherine Wheel shaping the sound. Singer Andrew Fisher fits this grunge mold of a maudlin but thoughtful protagonist, reflecting on toxic relationships, personal desolation and desperate longing, with the occasional hint of optimism shining through.

From the dynamic one-two punch of the agitated opener 'Whole' to the balladic doom of 'Covet', the sneering grunge of 'Black' and the gentle ease of 'Comfort', Basement moved effortlessly between different sounds and styles, retaining the underlying energy of their punk and hardcore roots.Colourmeinkindness quickly won over fans old and new, but the members of Basement had already committed 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 effects of Colourmeinkindness were already evident: a thriving scene had formed around Basement's like-minded peers. Bands like Balance and Composure, Superheaven and Title Fight revitalized alt-rock radio for the YouTube generation and were no longer just playing VFW venues, but also large concert halls. Post-hardcore, shoegaze and grunge became the predominant influences for new punk and emo bands. With Colourmeinkindess, Basement had initiated a radical change that would significantly shape the next decade of big-room guitar music. Now the expanded reissue for the 10th anniversary of the album offers the chance to rediscover the record.

This unforgettable release has been updated with an embossed slipcase, updated artwork featuring photos and retrospective liner notes from the band, and a second disc with an etched D-side. The release features alternate versions and stripped down arrangements of many of the album's tracks, reminiscent of the iconic MTV Unplugged songs by Oasis or Nirvana. It's an alternative look at the same era Colourmeinkindness hail from, and one that offers new sonic perspectives and insights into a pivotal moment for Basement and the path they would unexpectedly send a subgenre on in the 10 years that followed.

Unfiltered and raw, Basement's colormeinkindness cuts with the emotional honesty of a personal diary, backed by an impeccably representative soundtrack. Featuring the iconic Basement songs "Covet" and "Spoiled".