The Basics' "Shot Down" Is Raw Power

The Basics (pronounced as BAZ-itch) are an Australian band, formed by Wally De Backer (who has released a few awesome records as Gotye) and Kris Schroeder and later joined by Tim Heath. 2021 saw the release of their album B.A.S.I.C. mostly featuring covers of classics you can recite in your sleep. Despite this fact, the record still sounds fresh and exciting – you can't help feeling how much the band loves the songs they are playing. The lead single from the record is the cover of The Sonics' "Shot Down". Wally De Backer has kindly agreed to tell us why the band chose to rerecord the song and even sent an exclusive photo from the studio.

Wally De Backer

a.k.a. Gotye

The thing that first brought us together as The Basics is our love for 50s and 60s rock'n'roll. The raw power and energy, and the explosion of sound still gets the blood pumping to this very day. We absolutely love The Beatles and everything they did, they also made it huge - their story is one that most musicians dream of. The Sonics, conversely, never made it huge. They were one of the first garage bands, and their sound is so primal – the groove is irresistible. We love absolutely everything they do, but Shot Down just reverberated with us all and for years we played it on stage and loved it. So when it came to making a new record - one that showcased the music we'd played for so long - it seemed an obvious choice. It kicks arse!

Wally in the studio