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 /ðə'bæzɪtʃ/ 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.

Review Score: 8/10