Basics, The - Stand Out / Fit In (Album)

Add >strong>The Basics to the “what’s hot” list. Out of nowhere, one of the hardest working and underrated rock acts in the country has unleased an absolute pearler of a debut album in Stand Out / Fit In. In hindsight, it shouldn’t have been surprising. The Basics are led by drummer/vocalist Wally De Backer, who moonlights as Triple J favourite Goyte, and the reviews of their live performances have been nothing less than glowing.

There’s only one place to start describing the goodness that oozes out of Stand Out / Fit In: at the beginning.

The album explodes with the energy of “Rattle My Chain”, which has the unique characteristics of a rock song that can get people onto the dance floor. With its jarring guitars, smoke-edged vocals and smart drumming arrangements, this song is an excellent choice to introduce this album of goodies.

Following up is the contrasting “Memory Lane”, a softer track about lost love that, against convention, does not aim for the easy emotional vote nor feel the need for over-dramatisation. As a result, The Basics’ uncanny knack for creating rich and endearing melodies is not compromised in attempting to fit the typical love song mould. What we get at the end of the day is the story of a man asking for a second chance told in a memorable way.

One outstanding feature of Stand Out / Fit In is that harmonies rule and most songs are instant sing-a-longs. Even the swampy rock of “Have Love, Will Travel” becomes a sing-a-long track because The Basics know how to keep the lyrics simple and the chorus catchy. The use of handclaps interestingly juxtaposed with a dirty pub feel creates a track that is one part seedy, two parts dark and three parts a helluva lot of fun.

Having the word “radio friendly single” written all over it is “Just Hold On”, an upbeat tune about a relationship that seems like it is at the crossroads. De Backer’s vocals on this track are sweet and emotive, telling a story in themselves. Yet, however good the other songs on this album are, there is no denying the highlight is “Lookin’ Over My Shoulder”. Seamlessly incorporating the flute, the song creates nothing less than paranoia and nervousness while still retaining the band’s sense of playfulness.

“Hey There!” is a different proposition altogether. Channelling the cool vibes of Reel Big Fish at their best, this track makes the most of its fun horns and cheeky lyrics: “Hey there don’t you dare take my little baby far away from me / yeah you if you do don’t think you’ll be getting very far”. And the softer side of the band is on show on “(Love, Love) Speak to Me”. While it takes a little while to get going, once the strings kick it and the track is fully up and running, it is just as impressive as other offerings on the album.

The later half of the album sees The Basics abandoning the concept of having a particular sound as they experiment with all types of genres under the motto: “if it sounds good, play it”. If sing-a-longs are your thing (have I mentioned a lot of songs on this album are instant sing-a-longs?), “Sound Off” will be right up your alley. Sounding like a crazy musical interlude from a light-hearted romantic comedy of the 1950s, the toe-tapping, hand clapping and bright lyrics will bring a smile to the surliest of people. In a similar vein, “The Two Words” has a beach movie feel to it, helped along by its wink, wink lyrics and mischievous euphemisms. “Three Cool Cats” is decked out in sunglasses as it displays a jazzy, bossa nova feel to it with smooth harmonies. “Bitten By the Same Bug” has tinges of reggae but with darker undertones while “That Girl” sounds like a stage show tune. All these songs stand out, but at the same time fit in with the feel of the album.

Stand Out / Fit In is close to unfaultable. It’s time to jump on The Basics bandwagon because the ride is guaranteed to be a blast.

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