Basement in Blue Shell Cologne

Band: Basement

Location: Blue Shell, Cologne

Date: 09/13/2015

I can barely remember a show that did not include any support bands. Especially when it comes to bands that have anything to do with hardcore music. British emo-revivalists BASEMENT are one of those very few experiences. The band is currently on tour with BRAND NEW, but also play a bunch of solo shows – literally. There is no support act, not even a local one. It is just BASEMENT.

The Blue Shell in the south of Cologne‘s city is sold out. The tickets went very fast and more than a month prior to the show it is sold out. I have to admit that I do not like the Blue Shell. I have only been here once, years ago when Scottish alternative rockers TWIN ATLANTIC played here, and I was glad that no concert I wanted to attend to was hosted in the Blue Shell. The venue itself is okay, it is a nice bar, but when it‘s filled with about 150 people, it is full. It takes about five minutes to walk the eight meters from the entrance to the toilets.

When BASEMENT finally hits the stage and kick in with ‘Fading‘ I am surprised about the great sound. I would not expect such a good sound in any venue this size. From the very beginning the crowd is moving and sings along. The band itself does not move that much. This might be due to the small stage, but they do not put on a wild performance on bigger stages, either.