How a TikTok trend resurrected an English rock band after years of sporadic reunions
In short: Formed in Ipswich in 2009, Basement navigated multiple hiatuses and career pivots before a viral moment on TikTok propelled them back into the spotlight. From their roots in the pop punk scene to their latest studio album, the band has evolved through a complex history of personal commitments and creative reinvention.
Basement emerged from the dissolution of the pop punk group In This for Fun, with brothers Andrew and James Fisher joining Ronan Crix, Alex Henery, and Duncan Stewart. The band chose their name simply because they wanted something short that lacked specific meaning. Their early trajectory included the 2010 EP Songs About the Weather and the 2011 debut album I Wish I Could Stay Here, which established them within the emo and post-hardcore scenes.
The band's history is marked by significant breaks. In 2012, they entered a hiatus as members pursued personal goals: Andrew Fisher returned to school to become a teacher, while others focused on university or professional roles, such as Henery’s work as a videographer. They returned in 2014 with the EP Further Sky and subsequently released Promise Everything in 2016 and Beside Myself in 2018. Following a 2019 tour supporting Weezer and the Pixies, the band entered another period of inactivity, with members working on other projects like Fiddlehead.
The band’s resurgence in the 2020s was catalyzed by the unexpected popularity of their song "Covet" as a sound on TikTok. This digital revival led to a return to touring and a re-signing with their original label, Run for Cover Records. By May 2026, they released their fifth studio album, Wired. Throughout their career, critics have categorized their sound across various genres, including alternative rock, soft grunge, and noise rock, while citing influences ranging from Sunny Day Real Estate to David Bowie.
Today, Basement’s legacy is reflected in the bands they have influenced, such as Teenage Wrist and One Step Closer. Their ability to maintain the same lineup since 2009, despite the pressures of hiatuses and shifting industry landscapes, remains a defining feature of their longevity. Their journey from a local Ipswich act to a globally recognized band demonstrates the unpredictable nature of modern music discovery.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Basement (band)
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