Album Review: The Basics - Ingredients

Ingredients is the newest album release from The Basics and is a generous compilation of a selection of their songs written and performed over the past ten years. Forming in 2002, the band have released a handful of albums, so it's no wonder the decision to put together a playlist of favourites culminated in a 20-song, 68-minute collection.

The aim of this compilation was to showcase the vast array of styles The Basics have been capable of producing throughout their existence as a band. Featuring the unmistakable and soulful vocals of Wally De Backer (as well as Kris Schroeder and Tim Heath), they have continued to transform their sound, dabbling in pop, rock'n'roll, country, ska, blues and swing. Examples of all of these can be heard on Ingredients, as the album traces the musical progress of the band. There really is something for everyone. As well as the renowned hits Wait For You, With This Ship and Better, there are some of their less recognised songs featured that will reverberate around your head despite your best attempts to ignore them.

Ingredients is unique in that despite containing a multitude of different styles of songs written over more than a decade, it is a largely cohesive collection. The lads are undeniably talented and their versatility is evident in this album. It's the kind of album that makes you feel as though you're familiar with all the tracks instantly.