The BasicsIt's a fine line between what works and what doesn't in the fickle world of pop music. On one hand Goyte has conquered the world with his solo career while here, in his youthful band project, he hasn't exactly set the charts on fire. The Basics are a three-piece band who go for the classic 'take no prisoners' approach with some gutsy rock'n'roll at the fore. The music is punchy and intelligent.
Ingredients is a collection of their favourite songs taken from their four albums and studio explorations to date. There are some great tracks here that seem like precursors to the Goyte repertoire. Lookin' Over My Shoulder is one of the catchiest songs ever recorded by Goyte and it could have easily been lifted off an early Police or Sting album, while Home Again is definitely worth revisiting. It incorporates his love of technology with the ability to touch people with his view of the little things in life.
There are some songs on Ingredients that are basically demos and are more interesting as ideas than they are as songs. Keep The Door Open is one such example, where the emotions are as usual at the helm but it takes a long time to get there. What usually makes a three-piece band special is their ability to make a sound that's unique. The Basics have great songs and a bucketful of talent, but they lack that something that makes them stand out, even while crossing many genres on their journey.
Ingredients is an interesting 'best of' that gives you an insight into a band that has flown under the radar for too long.
