Baxter and the Basics
Lineup: Brian Benzinger, Courtland Hyatt, Chris Parker, Mario Abray. Influences: Modest Mouse, The Beatles, Death Cab for Cutie, The Band, Nirvana, mewithoutYou, Ween.
“All three of the [founding] members went to high school together and released an EP with a few other guys under the name Monumentus,” explains Baxter and the Basics guitarist Courtland Hyatt.
The young fellas in the newly named B&TB draw primary inspiration from the indie heroes of post-9/11 America, and the band’s music will sound familiar to anyone versed in the tender pop of Ben Gibbard and company. But mere apes these dudes are not: the melodic and tonal shifts on “Heaven,” the sole B&TB song available for public consumption, suggest a band unafraid to explore.
Having just recruited a new drummer in Mario Abray, the other members of the band are excited for what the future holds. “We’ve got one single released on our Bandcamp,” says Hyatt, “but we will release a full EP by Christmas.” Follow baxterandthebasics.bandcamp.com.
Next Show: Thursday, Dec. 13 @ Farm 255
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