The Basement will release their long awaited debut album ‘Illicit Hugs and Playground Thugs’ on July 17th 2006 through Deltasonic.

The Basement are John Mullin (vocals/ guitar), Mark McCausland (guitar/ vocals), Graeme Hassall (bass/ vocals) and Declan McManus (drums). They hail from Omagh, Northern Ireland where they first met at the tender age of 15. In 2000 the band moved over to Liverpool, escaping the small town claustrophobic pressures and in full pursuit of their musical dream. With their love for blues and soul, The Basement soon found a kindred spirit in Deltasonic. After signing in October 2002, three singles followed: ‘Medicine Day’ and ‘Slain The Truth’ (At The Roadhouse) and ‘Do You Think You’re Movin’ On’.

Four years may appear to some to be a rather long time to record a debut album, but for The Basement it proved to be their making. Rather than bowing to pressure and quickly releasing an album, the band were given the rare luxury of being able to finely hone their songwriting before going into the studio. They travelled around Ireland, playing with old men in pubs and receiving a rather different musical education. Ironically, once they felt confident with the songs under their belts, it took a mere three weeks to record the album in Liverpool’s Motor Museum studio with producer Mike Crossey. The result is a stunning debut, that is merely the beginning for The Basement…

Listen to Illicit Hugs and Playground Thugs exclusively here on contactmusic.com.

http://www.thebasement.co.uk