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The BasicsMoments Of Precious Clarity Art Day/Independent Like the release of Jeff Buckley's posthumous 'My Sweetheart The Drunk' this debut EP by The Basics is bittersweet. Fans have been waiting years for the band to translate their enchanting live sound to a worthy recording, and finally this moment comes... only to see the band break up due to its singer/songwriter Josh Arcus moving to Canada. 'Moments Of Precious Clarity' is a fitting title for this fresh and uncluttered release. It is well recorded and mastered (by Greg Heaton and Darren Thompson respectively), allowing the strength of Arcus' poetic lyrics and captivating song writing to shine in their own right. Your Hands is a passionate tale about overcoming failure, while Shane Shepherd's (ex-Thinktank) simple but spellbinding guitar line girds it with power towards the crescendo of Arcus singing in duet with former Edison bandmate Matt Ho. Similarly, the vocal harmonies in Frail Moment are a true highlight in this frank and open admission of selfishness. The thought provoking lyrics continue in Words, as Arcus prompts the listener to review what comes out of their mouth. To compare The Basics with Dashboard Confessionals, Jack Johnson, John Butler Trio or other recent acoustic superstars is unfair. The Basics share the same instrumentation and passion with the aforementioned artists but this songwriting is uniquely superb. The closing About is a soul-searching number that starts and ends gently. Nevertheless it draws the listener in and serves as a delightful conclusion to this record. Tasteful percussion is placed alongside the acoustic guitar sound that threads this record together. Delicately layered upon this is guest piano maestro Josh Spier (of Northern Lights) who adds a subtle piano melody to top off this grand finale. 'Moments Of Precious Clarity' is a passionate and poetic recording, and a worthy addition to the collection of any lover of acoustic music.  |
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