ALBUM REVIEW: WIRED – Basement

“We must create or die” BASEMENT call out in the middle of their fifth album WIRED, and it couldn’t feel more true as a thesis for the album. Returning to their original record label Run For Cover and their first album in eight years, it feels like somewhat of a reintroduction for BASEMENT. A reset, and a reclaiming of their creativity of sorts. 

Nowhere is this more evident than with the album’s dynamic but consistently sharp approach. These twelve songs are ever shifting but also meticulously selected. BASEMENT move from grooving basslines to gritty distorted guitars in mere seconds on WIRED, keeping a consistently lively approach. Opening track Time Waster swings out of the gates into title track WIRED, with a quintessential BASEMENT flourish of soaring, punchy choruses amidst melodic verses, all culminating in a dynamic sharpness that feels like a breath of fresh air for the band. 

This is the band at their best. Alex Henery and Ronan Crix’s guitar work is utterly compelling, blending catchy riffs with unique lines on tracks like the fuzz covered Deadweight and sun soaked Satisfy. Throughout the album these are layered with swinging basslines from Duncan Stewart that keep tracks like The Way I Feel bouncing and energetic. Andrew Fisher’s vocals are on top form switching effortlessly from the urgency of title track WIRED to the delicate vulnerability of the gentler Broken By Design. With each shift, James Fisher’s drums hold the whole thing together driving frenzies throughout the album and keeping you on your toes throughout. 

The band take their creativity and push it to its extremes, refusing to do anything by halves. Pick Up The Pieces is a standout both on the album and in their discography. Fast, punchy and incredibly hooky, the track is a uniquely infectious burst of high energy on the album. Its drum lines are insanely dynamic and keep the entire track propelling forwards into choruses that you’ll want to shout at the top of your lungs. 

But BASEMENT show they can also pull back, with tracks like Head Alight and Longshot offering respite amidst the intensity. These more melodic moments find airier tones and lay vulnerability bare lyrically. The tracks retain a certain grit in their willingness to push expression, they never feel out of place and instead layer beautifully amidst the harsher corners of the album. 

Closing track Summer’s End is a bright and big ending to the album. It feels a fitting thematic end to an album that is likely about to soundtrack the summer of 2026, and it is as sun soaked and full of life as it is a testament to self expression. A gentle reminder of BASEMENT’s skill in crafting a killer anthem you’d want to scream out loud live, and a culmination of the album’s explorations of melding melodic hooks with sharp and heavy explosions. 

WIRED is the sharpest and most decisive album BASEMENT have released. Not one moment feels unintentional or like an afterthought. WIRED re-finds BASEMENT authentically themselves, and full of a bristling energy that only comes when you let creativity flow unbounded.

Rating: 9/10

WIRED is set for release on May 8th via Run For Cover Records. 

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