Bases - “State”
Photo by Chris Kocher
Bases is the visual musical project of San Francisco based creative director, photographer, and artist Darryl Kirchner. Exploring "streams of consciousness and states of being" - "State" dropped early last month in its entirety and has stayed in our regular rotation ever since. At times the record feels like listening to various radio stations that are accessible only in your head.
The album spans eight tracks, with a run time of just over 30 minutes - it never overstays its welcome and continuously morphs and evolves throughout its duration. "State" comes accompanied by a visual film that pairs the tracks with kaleidoscopic visuals that really help to communicate the transitions and tensions of each song. In fact, it's probably the best way to experience the record - we invite you to take the thirty minute journey here.
01.
"From Somewhere" opens up like the first light escaping across the horizon. In a rather Tycho-esque fashion, the track feels atmospheric and conjures images of Ocean Beach and the moody tones of blue and grey in the morning. As the song reaches its’ end, the layering of samples and chatter begins to permeate louder and louder as if the neighborhood has finally woken up from a slumber. The crashing of waves kicks off an impromptu interlude of sorts, featuring an acoustic snippet of Outkast's "Hey Ya", in a way that reminds me of an old Bright Eyes record.
02.
"Transformation" immediately pulls the listener from the wide open space of the previous track into something more contemplative and personal. The transition is akin to putting in headphones and jumping on your bike - like immediately accessing a quiet moment to yourself in order to work through something. The visual film features a plane that slowly rotates into place, like gears spinning in your subconscious - there is something extremely satisfying about this motif in action.
03.
"Bodega" is the shortest track on the record, and it feels like an interlude of sorts that bridges together ideas. There is a certain level of vulnerability to this one, as the only track on the record to fully feature an acoustic guitar, it manages to feel nostalgic and melancholic, yet still hopeful. Aesthetically speaking, it feels reminiscent of some of the ideas explored on "From Somewhere."
04.
"Saturday Better" seems to creep out from under the cover of night. The track opens in almost Radiohead-like fashion, with brooding synth tones, sparse, haunting vocal samples and an almost anxious beat. If the first track on the album feels like the first light of morning, this track feels like the first signs of the night. It breaks down into a subtle ambiance, like a light that cannot be chased.
BASES shared a photo on Instagram: "Our second single will be live tomorrow! The 'State' album and visual film will be released..." * See 21 photos and videos on their profile.
05.
"Voices" was Bases first single, released as both an instrumental version and one with vocals; the former appears to have made the final record. The track explores "loss and perseverance," and is meant to be a sonic shift into warmer, more inviting tones. The visual film drives home this idea, introducing a spiral that draws you into its’ depths. But just as the song begins to change, so does the pace at which the spiral spins, until it begins to spin in reverse - ultimately bringing the viewer back from the brink. A reminder that sometimes you need to delve deep into the depths before you can come out on top.
06.
"Late at Night" does in fact feel warmer and more inviting. A moment of calm, self assurance and familiarity even. I can't help but liken these tracks to various situations or moments I've experienced in San Francisco - this song feels like taking MUNI home on the occasional warm summer evening. There is something calming and comforting about a routine - something a lot of us are likely struggling to maintain during the self quarantine era.
07.
"Daft" is the only track on the record to have a feature, in the form of Marco Salvaggio on guitar. It's no surprise that this song feels distinctly different from the rest of the album. I find myself on the beach again, the sun is getting ready to set, and I can't tear my eyes away from the horizon - thinking about everything and nothing all at once; The wind is beginning to blow a little harder, and the sun's warmth begins to wane. There is something beautiful about being lost in thought.
08.
"Resolve" ends the album with a thoughtful, calming tune that feels like it was born from a lucid dream. It's almost as though this is what your brain might play as it re-calibrates from a day's worth of mental processes. The track is a fitting end on a narrative level, bringing you right back to the early morning tones of blue and grey - characteristically San Francisco.
You can find Bases on Instagram, Youtube, Soundcloud, and at BasesMusic.com
2 Likes, 0 Comments - BASES (@basesmusic) on Instagram: "The thoughts and patterns #basesmusic"