Basement to Release First Album in Eight Years ‘Wired’: Listen to Two Tracks

The long-awaited return of Basement in 2024 brought their first US headlining shows in five years, and attendees, including myself, experienced an evening of pure, sweaty mayhem. To my surprise, the band did not perform any songs from their last album, 2018’s Beside Myself, which added an element of humor to the show. However, fans can now rejoice as the beloved emo group has announced the release of their upcoming album, Wired, scheduled to debut in May under their previous label, Run For Cover. Already released tracks include the title song “Wired” and “Broken By Design.”

Produced by John Congleton, known for his work with artists like St. Vincent and Mannequin Pussy, Wired marks Basement’s return to their roots after their previous albums, Beside Myself and Promise Everything, were released through the WMG-owned Fueled By Ramen. Frontman Andrew Fisher opened up about the band’s hiatus, expressing a sense of disillusionment after signing with a major label and feeling constrained by external influences.

Discussing the themes behind their new songs, Fisher delved into the inspiration behind “Wired,” which tackles the idea that individuals are often pushed to act in certain ways beyond their control. The track explores the inevitability of one’s true self emerging, whether by choice or circumstance, a sentiment that resonated deeply with the band members. “Broken By Design,” on the other hand, reflects on the experience of giving one’s all to something only to realize its inevitable failure. The song touches on the journey of self-reflection and growth that follows such setbacks, emphasizing the band’s gratitude for the opportunity to learn and evolve together.

The music videos for the title track “Wired,” directed by Ashley Rommelrath, and “Broken By Design,” directed by Tas Wilson, offer visual accompaniments to the introspective and emotive tracks. The band’s tracklist for Wired includes a mix of songs like “Time Waster,” “Deadweight,” “Pick Up The Pieces,” and “Summer’s End,” promising a diverse and immersive listening experience for fans.

With Wired set to release on 5/8 via Run For Cover, Basement’s upcoming album signifies a return to their musical roots and a renewed focus on creative expression and camaraderie within the band. As the group navigates the challenges of artistic growth and self-discovery, listeners can look forward to a collection of songs that reflect the band’s journey back to their core values and motivations.