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 Back
in 1996 with the release of 'Jet Crash Kills',
Austria's The
Base set out upon a mission of challenging
preconceived notions of music by gelling unique lyrical
metaphors with a fresh outlook on that all important pop hook.
Their more angled view of the world is always intelligent without
ever being condescending.
Many artists trying to break new musical ground sound contrived
and ultimately miss the mark. True genius is found subtly hidden
between bar chords and back beat; between hollers and volume.
And it's in that shadowy place where The Base truly excels.
You can enjoy the word play, orchestration, melodies, harmonies
or you can just jump around and have fun.
Their new release, 'Things to Remember : Ways to Forget' is
a two-CD set (six songs each) and has a mellower sound with
more complex arrangements than their previous releases. Wonderfully
creative songs and the interesting addition of horns, keys
and even an accordion make for a perfect stage on which the
sometimes surreal lyrics can dance.
Some standout tracks for me include 'Perfect Hearts'.
The soft acoustic guitar and floating, flute-like keyboard
line opener cued me in on just how different a record this
is for them. The lyrics reminded me of the time I visited members
of the band in Graz, Austria. Our bodies were beat from partying
and performing, but our spirits were strong. At least that's
how I'd like to think of it.
We're
underweight and oversmoked
We cough our lungs out on the
street
But we got perfect hearts
It also reminds me of an email I received from singer/guitarist
Norbert Wally shortly after I had returned to New Jersey.
It seems that, despite our overindulgences, he had passed a
physical checkup with flying colors. I on the other had took
several weeks to recuperate.
 Listen
To: [Perfect
Hearts]
A tune that is admittedly more autobiographical is 'Basement
Days' which reminisces back to a time when my friend
and musical collaborator Eric Schmitz lived with Norbert in
Graz. I particularly like the percussion on this which is a
sparse and more metallic collection of rhythms ala Tom Waits.
Listen
To: [Basement
Days]
Other highlights for me are 'Hanging My Head in the
Sun (when the Sun's gone)' which includes a very
cleverly and effectively placed trumpet part. The word heavy
bop of 'Not
My Dog' makes it the catchiest tune here that takes
off into a gypsy folk frenzy towards he end. 'My
My My My' by far harkens the most back to the early
days of the band with its stripped down production, distorted
guitar and belted vocals in the chorus. It is my favorite
track.
Listen
To: [Hanging
My Head in the Sun] [Not
My Dog] [My
My My My]
The members of The Base have remarkably been able to remain
true to their artistic integrity in the face of an apathetic
music industry and its usual obstacles. Their most recent setback
came when their European distributor went out of business.
So for the time being this CD may not be easy to find, but
do yourself a favor and seek it out by contacting the band.
You will not be disappointed.
See Also:
The Base Website
NiNETUNE.COM Podcast
While
you're at it, check out their entire discography
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