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As the news of their first album in eight years was made public, Suffolk band Basement revealed a series of intimate shows to accompany the records’ release. The ‘Wired‘ album launch shows promised new music, compact grassroots venues and plenty of stage dives. The Leeds date was guaranteed to deliver the latter with little to no encouragement.

With just an hour to spare between doors and stage time, and no support, people flocked to Boom’s new Canalside venue to grab an early spot inside to witness one of the bands’ most intimate shows for many years. As each member stepped up onto the compact stage, the room erupted in cheers and applause. Before the set began, frontman Andrew Fisher thanked people for coming out and supporting the record as well as for support grassroots venues. As the applause continued, Basement launched into the album’s title track ‘WIRED‘. Immediately, people were fully involved. Following up with ‘The Way I Feel‘ to keep the new material flowing, ‘Covet‘ then came around which was met with a huge cheer and within seconds, people were leaping from the stage.

Arms were raised, voices were heard and people were flying, a typical Basement show for sure but a special one nonetheless. Further fan favourites came rolling in, with ‘Whole‘, ‘Earl Grey‘ and ‘Pine‘ all keeping the momentum going. More and more people were leaping from the stage just in time for a breather ahead of the remaining tracks from ‘Wired‘. The new material of ‘Head Alight‘, ‘Time Water‘ and ‘Broken by Design‘ has the whole room engaged for what could be a bunch of set list regulars as each one was loudly applauded.

Fisher then announced that there would be two songs remaining, with the crowd clamouring for something more familiar so they could return to their chaotic energy. ‘Are You the One‘ came around, and the room was ignited once again just in time for ‘Promise Everything‘ to cap off a short but exhilarating performance from Basement in Leeds once again.

Photo Credit: Caitlin Mellors @ Nottingham Rough Trade – Basement Acoustic Show + Signing