Album: Beside Myself
Artist: Basement
Genre: #Alternative #Indie
Sub-Genres: #Poppunk, #altrock, #posthardcore, #emo
Label: Fueled by Ramen
Non-Airable Tracks: None
Description: When I started listening to this album and heard the opening song, I was expected a generic and slightly over-produced pop-punk album. And while generic pop-punk is one of my personal favorite genres of music, it is admittedly not the most creative. However, this album presently surprised me with its unprecedented musical uniqueness. The changes in dynamics between the songs-particularly the wide variety of fuzzy guitar tones used on each track-made the album an engaging listen. The louder songs seemed a bit repetitive, but the softer songs stood out and created moments of gentle peace often not found in this genre of music. The lyrics were a bit generic, but fit the songs’ angsty mood, and the vocals were very smooth and melodic, contrasting beautifully with the heavy distortion guitars. One of my favorite parts was the song “Changing Lanes,” a quiet, acoustic interlude that seemed to subtly transition the album from an angry, defiant mood to a more melancholy one. Overall, despite the occasional lack of originality, Beside Myself is a solid rock album and a great listen for fans of pop-punk and emo.
Sounds Like: The Story So Far, Taking Back Sunday, Title Fight
Recommended Tracks:
“Ultraviolet”-Cool chromatic chorus
“Stigmata”-Interesting guitar part on bridge, soft verses that swell nicely into the chorus
“Right Here”-Soft and pretty, a chill, pretty song that I feel like I could fall asleep to. Probably my favorite on the album.
Reviewer’s Name: Ruby Fulford
Date of Review: 1/22/19