Basement: The UK's Emotive Hardcore Export

Basement is a British rock band from Ipswich, England, known for their potent blend of 90s-inspired alternative rock, grunge, and emotive hardcore. The quintet's influential sound, marked by melodic guitar work and raw lyrical delivery, has cemented their status as a defining act in the modern rock underground.

Early career

Basement formed in 2009 in Ipswich, Suffolk, uniting friends with a shared passion for the sounds of bands like Nirvana and Fugazi. Their early activity was prolific, leading to the release of their first EP, Songs About the Weather, in 2010 on the small UK label Run For Cover Records.

This initial release set the template for their signature style, catching the attention of the underground scene and leading to their debut full-length album, I Wish I Could Stay Here, in 2011.

Breakthrough

The band's breakthrough moment arrived with their critically acclaimed second album, Colourmeinkindness, released in 2012. This record, also on Run For Cover, showcased a significant evolution in their songwriting, incorporating heavier grunge textures and more expansive melodies, which resonated powerfully with a growing international fanbase.

Despite their rising profile, Basement announced an indefinite hiatus in late 2012, a move that only heightened the demand for their music.

Key tracks

Covet — This standout track from Colourmeinkindness became an anthem for the band, perfectly encapsulating their dynamic shift between subdued verses and crushing, melodic choruses.

Whole — A driving, emotionally charged single that highlights the band's seamless fusion of punk energy and alt-rock accessibility, making it a live set staple.

Promise Everything — The title track from their 2016 comeback album signaled a refined, anthemic direction, earning significant airplay on rock radio formats.

Be Here Now — This song demonstrates Basement's ability to craft deeply atmospheric and somber moments, showcasing their range beyond high-energy rock.

Reunion and major label move

After a three-year break, Basement reunited in 2014, playing sold-out shows and building immense anticipation for new material. They capitalized on this momentum by signing with Warner Bros. Records subsidiary Fueled By Ramen, releasing their third album, Promise Everything, in January 2016.

This major label debut saw the Ipswich group further polish their sound without sacrificing its emotional core, charting on the Billboard 200 and solidifying their commercial reach. Their subsequent album, 2018's Beside Myself, continued their trajectory of crafting concise, powerful rock songs for a dedicated global audience.

Fans of Basement's gritty yet melodic approach should also explore similar artists featured on our network. Title Fight shares the same roots in melodic hardcore and 90s alternative rock. Citizen operates in a similar sonic space of moody, heavy-hitting rock anthems. Turnover emerged from the same scene, though later exploring more dream-pop territories. Superheaven delivers a comparable dose of thick, grunge-influenced guitar rock and raw vocal delivery.

The music of Basement maintains a strong presence on radio rotation across our affiliated stations. Their catalog, from early hardcore-leaning cuts to their more recent alt-rock radio singles, is regularly featured on alternative rock radio stations and dedicated online rock radio streams, particularly those focusing on post-hardcore and modern rock genres.

Listeners can discover the powerful discography of Basement, from Ipswich to international stages, by tuning into the rock stations available right here on onairium.com, where their anthems of angst and melody are a core part of the programming.