Poised to leap into the national scene, Indianapolis-based Basement What? began as a trio of Ball State students. Now, years later, they’ve had a track included on the Essentials 4 album and the 2001 Billboard College Band Sampler. More importantly, to me at least, is that they’ve added Shelly Dixon Band alumni Pete Jacobs on bass and Lou Grant on guitar, retaining vocalist Dave George and Nick Young on guitars. There’s a drummer in there somewhere as well. What with the personnel changes and lack of bio sheet or proper schematics on their web site I’m not really sure. Perhaps everyone has been replaced by an animatronic garden gnome.
Regardless of who is playing what instruments, Basement What? are specialists in creating that modern rock vibe so popular with the kids these days. Their self-titled album contains 11 such tracks that follow in the footsteps of bands like Fuel, Verve Pipe and Blind Melon, hopping between quiet verses and louder, more energetic choruses that stick in your head for days. “Change” is a prime example, containing modern rock with a hint of groove that explodes in an upbeat, fun chorus. An intense bass and drum foundation form the nucleus of the singable “What To Do” and the zooming “Livin’ Daydreams” is certain to get even the stodgiest bar patron onto the dance floor. “Sunshine Baby” has a mysterious Doors/late 60s reedy organ vibe that erupts into a volcanic chorus where the vocalist showcases his strong, emotive voice and magnetic charm.
“News For You” is a mid tempo anti-love song with solid drumming and an edgy bass line where the vocalist sings, “Someday you’ll see me on the street with someone else.” Similar sentiment is found in the upbeat and funky “You,” as in “You make me feel like everything is falling down on me”. “Moon” and “Wish I Didn’t” are the mandatory ballads, classic in feel and format, where the musicians come together quite effectively to facilitate slow, close dancing.
But the song that has jump-started their career is the buzzy, intoxicating “My Beer,” a wisely chosen song topic if ever there was one. Full-out contemporary rock meets the slight reggae feel in the verse that is explored more fully in the bridge while rock organs punctuate the song, adding to the already memorable guitar melody that seizes your brain from the first listen. A guaranteed hit on every college campus and in every club! Mark your calendar for the 18th to experience Basement What? (with Watershed) in person at Columbia Street West … be sure to save me a NewCastle!
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