Basement Strippers – Throw Me An Anchor (2020)
Hailing from Bedford, UK, Basement Strippers is a hard rock foursome with a highly energetic and engaging sound. Since their formation in 2017, the band has been well-received with each of their releases ranging from the debut EP The Exotic Show to their latest single ‘Throw Me An Anchor’. In fact, the lead single from The Exotic Show, ‘We Are Not Afraid’, was featured as the end credits anthem for the film Dead Squad. Seriously, how cool is that?
‘Throw Me An Anchor’ is the follow-up single to 2019’s ‘Mind Reader’. Moving from the popular punk-influenced ‘Blindfold’ in 2018, Basement Strippers adopts a more indie-rock and alt-rock sound. One of the most intriguing things about Basement Strippers is their ability to fuse elements of metal, rock, punk and indie into a single song without the track feeling disjointed. ‘Throw Me An Anchor’ is evidence of this innovation and development in their music.
‘Throw Me An Anchor’ was penned long before the COVID-19 pandemic, but the lads chose to release the track now because of its relevance to current society. Lyrically, the track leans towards themes of isolation, loss, desperation and the need to cling to something solid – the anchor. Lyrically, the track can be viewed as an anthem for people who are struggling (physically and mentally) and trying to hold on to optimism for that light at the end of the tunnel.
Sonically, the track lies in the realm between All-American Rejects, Mayday Parade and Enter Shikari. It begins quietly but soon explodes into a pounding guitar-driven track layered over Enter Shikari-style synths. The emotion and poignancy of the track are enhanced by the powerful and dynamic vocals from Jamie Gilman-Lewis. His bold and endearing vocals emphasise the desperation and raw honesty of ‘Throw Me An Anchor’.
The band’s initials are BS and we all know what that stands for. Thing is, Jamie Gilman-Lewis (vocals and bass), Bayley McNamee (guitar), William Gilman-Lewis (keyboards) and Lucas Hammond (drums) are anything but BS. If they had to be an S of some kind, the group and their addictive sound is THE S*** – and we mean that in a good way.
For more from Basement Strippers, check out their Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Spotify.
