With an influx of great bands blasting onto the Aussie scene over the last few years, it’s becoming a do-or-die environment for those trying to make a name for themselves. Amongst the flurry of hard rock, dance and Australian Idol contestants that saturate our radio stations, there is a huge list of acts awaiting their claim to fame for Aussie ears. One of these bands who are rising to the occasion is Melbourne outfit The Basics, who offer much more that your basic pop-rock radio song.

The Basics have just launched into an Australia wide tour that begins early June and continues right up until early August. The boys will even be partaking in some overseas shows in conjunction with the Nice harmonies Nice Looks Nice Lunch tour. Speaking with Kris Schroeder, who is The Basic’s bass player, On the Barrier asked if overseas touring was a common occurrence for the lads, resulting in a very positive "Not much, not yet". Judging by their latest single With this Ship getting regular play time on Triple J, it wouldn’t be a surprise when The Basic’s hit the big stage.

With this Ship precedes the upcoming new album titled Keep Your Friends Close which should be nearing completion by the end of the year. With this Ship was mixed at the famous Abbey Road Studios, with the rest of the album to also be mixed in London. The array of talented and well known producers and mixers behind this single can be rivaled by the creative works of Matt Arnold who directed the video clip. If you have not seen the video for With This Ship, be sure to check it out at www.thebasics.com.au for a classic visual experience revisited in a modern light (according to The Basics’ MySpace page, (think Tim Burton does Yellow Submarine via a Monty Python haze)

Working with a new direction from previous material, The Basics are on track on delivering something "unique and compelling" for both long time fans and new listeners alike.  With a great harmonious sound in comparison to Aussie rock groups of late, The Basics are not one to be shelved as a lightweight outfit, with Schroeder quoting famously "It’s not soft rock, its hard candy". This latest single represents the true style of the band, a direction that has been long been in waiting.
"It’s not really a new sound for us, but it is a new sound for the band. This style of song is what we naturally used to write before we decided to be that kind of beat band back in the day." What we can expect is a more honest and natural The Basics for our listening pleasure.

The Basics will be in our part of town this week with a Thursday evening show at the Art Gallery of Western Australia as and a Friday night show at the Railway Hotel in Fremantle. If you are keen to catch a band that is sure to be everyone’s talking point in the near future, jump in early and catch them live this week. Audiences will be treated to all new songs never before heard so you can get the jump on what’s to come. Tickets are available from heatseeker and bocs from $18.

By Shane Musarra