Search - Basement :: Illicit Hugs & Playground Thugs

Melodic twangcore from the UK

Joe Sixpack -- Slipcue.com | ...in Middle America | 06/02/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is a nice set of raggedy, twang-laced melodic indie-rock, from an exuberant Irish foursome. The band is clearly rooted in modern rock, but they incorporate country elements well, and sound like they have a lot of fun playing their songs... Definitely worth checking out, since their energy and enthusiasm carry through to the listeners... Fun stuff!"

British Alt Country

K. E. Loucks | Columbus, OH USA | 05/13/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I became curious about The Basement when my local paper did a story on new, unknown British bands and compared their sound to "the warmth of classic Ronnie Lane". The band is a classic 4 piece; electric lead guitar (sounds like a telecaster to me), acoustic rythm guitar (played by the singer/songwriter), bass and drums. Occasionally there are some keyboard and banjo overdubs to augment the texture.



The comparison to Ronnie Lane is not off base, particularly in the basic feel of the vocals, and the British take on CW/rock. In many ways the basic sound is reminiscent of the Beatles' Rubber Soul sound. The comparison to Ronnie's Slim Chance falters in that the instrumentation isn't as varied. There is little departure from the 2 guitars/bass/drums, and the placement of the instruments in the stereo mix never changes. Likewise, the songwriting is not up to the magical timeless quality of Lane's songs. The Basement's John Mullin's songwriting style reminds me more of the self-obsessed poetic melodrama of America's Northwest grunge bands.



But they rock pretty well, and lead guitarist Mark McCausland is fine and engaging. More imaginative arrangements would help, or if the songwriting was just a bit better the sameness in the performances wouldn't matter so much. The two together hinder the overall quality of the CD."