‘Words’ opens with melodramatic guitar and cymbal crashes, Hurn’s vocals levitating above like oil on water. The song faces the existential dilemma of communication, how “words are just words are words are words” and lack any tangible meaning unless backed up with something more real. It’s interesting, especially when followed by ‘Johnny’, a rather desperate plea for another to stay away from the titular character, a person who seems to have broken the heart of our narrator. Words might just be words, but that doesn’t mean we don’t use them in the hope of reprieve or respite, or as promises for action once we feel strong or brave enough.

“Please just stay away from Johnny
‘cos I love him, understand
I don’t need your presence
sitting on my chest, above my heart.

It’s a really bad time right now”

‘Lake, Steel, Oil’ is a sparse, lonely song which unfolds in cold space, though there is a certain energy rising through it, as though a small fire has been kindled beneath the track. These days are numbered,” Hurn sings, “don’t waste them on slumber,” her voice growing more insistent as the flame grows and fans out and eventually burns free as the song is consumed by a post-rock climax. Closer ‘Family’ is part bar-room stomp, part soaring indie rock, the mean guitar work and snaking drums preceding Hurn’s light, impassioned vocals, the whole thing surging periodically into glorious noise.

You can grab Basement Revolver now from the band’s Bandcamp page.

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