The Basics, East Brunswick Club, 08/02/07

The Basics

I like the Basics. They’ve picked a style of rock that hasn’t been totally regurgitated and have given it a new life that’s joyful and fun. Yes, that’s probably the cheesiest endorsement you’ve probably ever heard but what can I say? I saw the boys play about two years ago and while they didn’t blow me away, their optimism and pure love for their music gave them good cred to me.

Fast forward to February 8, 2007, and The Basics are headlining their own EP release at the East Brunswick Club for their single Looking Over My Shoulder, supported by Lachlan Bryan, Little Red, and comedy troupe the Shambles.

Beginning with a commendable performance from Lachlan Bryan (let down only by the limited amount of audience), the breaks between bands were filled with sketches by the Shambles, which ranged from confusing to hilarious. Anyone who witnessed their brilliant satire of Judith Lucy will never forget it (not only were the mannerisms spot-on, the appearance was perfect).

Local boys Little Red were added to the bill after they supported The Basics a little while ago. With a Beach Boys look and bass line driven rock sound, these guys will be picked up pretty soon (stand-out song being Coca Cola). A definite lady-pleaser were the Little Red panties for sale at their merch stand – genius!

However, the main event incited the entire crowd into a frenzy and it’s been rare that I’ve seen such a majority of a crowd dance like they did for The Basics.

After running through a couple older songs, some newer songs Better and Will Know What You Want, along with their EP track Looking Over My Shoulder, The Basics launched into a series of covers, including an impressive mash-up of Cream’s Sunshine of Your Love and Eric Clapton’s Cocaine. Until that moment I’d never noticed how similar those two riffs were.

After three encores, it became apparent that crowd didn’t care that the band had run out of songs, and were content to hear whatever The Basics could muster. The final cover of The Police’s Roxanne was admirable.

Basics member’s Chris, Wally, Tim and Dave have worked hard to be one of the tightest rock bands playing in Melbourne, with simple catchy melodies and beautiful vocal work. Although they’re not reinventing the wheel when it comes to their sound, The Basics are definitely one of the best, hardest-working unsigned groups around. Keep your ears open for an upcoming album launch soon.

Arrested Voices Media©2007