The Departure
"Hallo", I says to meself as the opening riff ripped the air, "80's U2!"
This was 'Just like TV' the opening track of the debut album of 'The Departure'.
It's hard to believe they've been together for such a short time. They made their live debut in their home town Northampton in February 2004, in no time at all it seems the jammy buggers have landed a five album deal with Parlophone (home of Coldplay/Athlete etc.). It seems they've got the angels on their side. Emerging like an icy colossus in the scene starved town (considering it's the biggest town in England, that's saying something).
You can certainly see why people are so excited about the 5 piece, it is probably 'THE' album of the year (well until the next one comes along at least).
The 80's is definitely where the album is snuggled, but not where it belongs. As you listen you hear all sorts of stuff. The album is unmistakably English and harks back of bands like Flock Of Seagulls, The Cure, Furniture, Echo and The Bunny Men. Hearing all of this, it really comes as no surprise to learn that the album was produced by Steve Osbourne who worked with Depeche Mode and New Order. Nobody could have matched the band's attitude towards music and the world in general. All the jaggedness of the guitars is there, the punchy drums sitting in a cold environment. If the Stiff label were still around, these lads would be headliners. There's nothing friendly about the album, it reflects the bands disillusionment with the state of modern music and the lack of anything to do in their hometown, the shallowness of people and indeed the entire world.
David Jones bites at the lyrics that challenge the listener, provoking a reaction. The Departure are the first band to actually 'get' the austere mechanical feel of the music of those earlier bands, THE only ones who have managed it in a sea of Joy Division/New Order wannabes.
I never expected to hear this sort of stuff outside tribute bands and revival tours. I'm glad it's come back with such guts and vivacity. Definitely the most refreshing and exciting music I've heard in a long time. The first single 'Lump In My Throat' reached the top 30. We wait to see where the second one 'All Mapped Out' ends up. I for one will watch with interest.