The Lovely Basement channel Lou Reed and English folk on 4th album ‘Lowlands’
The album sees the Bristol four-piece fusing alt-Americana with proto-punk rock.
Photo: The Lovely Basement
The Lovely Basement describe themselves as a bit Velvet Underground, a bit Fairport Convention. That’s an apt description, but there’s more than a touch of the rolling British summertime; a splash of Fleetwood Mac’s chart-topping hit Albatross in its moments of indulgence.
Tracks like the titular ballad, Cornstalk Girl and Small Fleas have that Underground-y, Reed-esque sound, though without the dark reflections and drug-fuelled comedowns.
But that’s not to say there’s none of the psychedelic on Lowlands, with deeper cuts like Fifth Column and closer Goodbye feeling like a hazy glimpse through the kaleidoscopic looking glass.
The record’s highlight comes in Barrabas, a Californian pop-rocker that feels as timeless as it does fresh and fit for the spring. It’s a bit Heroes Are Hard to Find, a bit Greg Kihn, and a whole lot of fun.
Lowlands lies on the right side of cosy: a worn, woollen jumper that screams comfort and sunshine without seeking to cloy. It packs its fair share of pop-rock sensibilities; Lowlands is the Velvet Underground if the high never wore off.
Lowlands is out now via Bache / Scaife.
