The Basics hold an aura of recapturing a time of the past that our generation can only nostalgically fantasise about. A time when music was golden and people were more honest. Now they are embracing the shorter past, the times when the music was also golden but The Basics were only little younger. The trio are celebrating the re-release of their limited pressed 2002 debut album, Get Back. And so for August, Thursday nights at The Evelyn Hotel belong to The Basics as they storm through their residency at the Brunswick Street club.

For the kick off, the evening mood was started by Gareth Eunson & The Graveyard Sons. The end of their set showed promise with the slide guitar riff on their final track clearly showing the foundation of a solid rock number. Second on stage were The Brutals. These guys had a feel that could be comparable to Wilco, Grandaddy with a hint of The Thrills. While in need of some polishing and perhaps a few less inside jokes on stage, they do have songs with potential and it will be interesting to see how these boys progress.

After The Brutals brandished their skills the evening slowed as The Basics set up their gear and made themselves comfortable in their new home for Thursday nights. When they took stage we saw the return of their ghost of the past, keyboardist, David Bramble, and the addition of a part-time saxophonist. This provided a fuller and more professional sound than previous shows with just the trio.

While The Basics were played well, the feeling of going back to the past seemed to emanate a little too strongly through to the crowd at the opening night. It almost seemed the crowd was brand new and these were songs played to fresh ears, needing to first be won over. Maybe the room was a little too spacious or perhaps it was just the school night crowd effect. After all, we all need to hold on to our innocence.

However, as the show continued and comments were made, by front man Kris Shroder, for the crowd to come into the front and avoid the aura of animals on display, the crowd eventually warmed and even started to move a little bit to the music. Schroeder’s abilities as a front man impressed and while it wasn’t a dud night, it certainly wasn’t as electric as others. But rather than let this get to him, they merely played with it. This was one of the areas of tonight’s show that displayed the growth and maturity.

Wally de Backer’s phenomenal vocals can overshadow the others members musical abilities. Though Schroeder was looking just as comfortable on stage – his vocals on Lovin Man were a definite standout, as was, lead guitarist, Tim Heath’s belting version of Have Love, Will Travel.

With limited radio play for reasons unknown (others may say, person unwilling – cough Richard Kingsmill), one member gaining high popularity with a little side project, and another moving interstate, you’d think this would spell doom for this grey suit cladded foot tapping trio. But the music is strong and the bond as a band even more so. With less covers than previous shows, and all the members stepping equally up to the plate, it does seem that they have moved up a notch and better cemented themselves as a band. Let’s hope these trends continue.