Basics, The - The No.1 Cause Of Death Amongst Youth Today (Single)

At first glance a song title like The No.1 Cause Of Death Amongst Youth Today seems to conjure up references to Nirvana, as they made the world sit up and realise that youngsters can really be disaffected and miserable. But while the American trio personified angst-ridden grunge, the three lads from Melbourne known as The Basics seem new to this kind of territory, having formerly offered us lighter, polished sounds influenced by 60s pop and rock.

The No.1 Cause Of Death... joins the previous singles With This Ship and Like A Brother, and boasts the same sweet harmonies you’ve come to expect from the boys. However, these are backed up by a styling that is almost like a big rock opera number; at best feeling like Muse’s Knights of Cydonia and at worst feeling a tad overblown.

At 3:11 the lyrics hint at the Cure’s darker tendencies with its feelings of pain and shame. But there could be a musical anecdote in our midst, because the sounds seem to bop along and at times blow out to a full-fledged Living End rock anthem.

The Basics- those purveyors of nice looks, nice harmonies, nice lunch, have offered us another “swell” single from their forthcoming album, Keep Your Friends Close. Basics fans take note the release date is imminent and you’ll be able to hear the full proceedings come October. Then we’ll see who’s really nice!

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