For many new bands, the desire to sound like another more successful band is strong enough to keep them from walking their own path and creating something truly unique. However for The Departure, walking their own path is the only obvious road they know. Releasing their inspired, progressive and anthem filled new EP titled Gateways, The Departure is wasting no time with a powerful introduction.
Since every song on this album is worth listening to, I will highlight a few of the very notables that you must listen to as soon as you can; starting with the title track Gateways. This song has an intro for the books; emotional dark guitars with a beautiful accompanying synth. The vocals and lyrics are emotionally charged with both honesty and vulnerability, and for many, this is going to become their instant favorite track from the album.
Another powerful track that reminds me, somewhat, of what Linkin Park tried on their album The Hunting Party, is the anthem like song The Sea Part II. This song is less punk than most of the other songs on the EP, but there are some heavier screaming vocals woven within that help add an edge to an otherwise soft ballad of a song. Everyone on this song plays from the heart, from the vocals to the guitars to the drums, every instrument is played loud and aggressively, and the vocals are made more haunting because of this. A great track through and through.
Forget Everything is a bit punk, a bit metal, and some industrial thrown in as well; it doesn’t take long to sink its awesome teeth in to the listener. The breaks in the tempo and layering of the tracks are exciting and high energy all the way through, and by the end of the song you simply hit repeat and turn it up.
For an EP this sure feels like a full length album. Every song is well thought out, well played, and well mixed. Every song stands alone on its own, and the vocals are never the same as before. The diversity and inspiration placed within this album should show many new artists how it is supposed to be done if you want to turn some heads.
I wouldn’t waste any time picking up this EP if you want something new and worthwhile to listen to.
