Clearly a band with a growing following, the static crowd nattered and the orderly bar queue grew. Before they made their entrance came support in the form of Alterkicks. A five piece with promise, witty lyrics, and well thought out songs. They came on confident and proved to be a strong support for The Departure. A band for the future I should hope.

A late start but a start at least. The crowd did not appear overly warmed by their style, as the ratio of enthusiastic claps to paying customers was a little bemusing. I guess it isn't viewed as cool to credit some musicians with your agreement. Well, maybe not support acts anyways. Never the less, Alterkicks seemed chuffed enough and carried on enjoying themselves- however focused or reserved they appeared at times. It was a shame I found the balcony too late to get a decent shot of them before they finished their final song.

After another queue at the bar and a wander back to our balcony seating, the atmosphere appeared to pickup somewhat. Possibly getting busier or maybe people waking up/getting drunk. The outcome was, The Departure gracing the stage, fresh from the cool box and with great applause. Full of energy and purpose, the drummer begun his beat, the band assumed routine posture and kicked in with one of their singles 'Be My Enemy'.

The sound was far more potent than that of Alterkicks, which is to be expected. They sounded good, and this continuity was carried throughout their set. I scribbled words such as 'loud, thumping, energetic and rhythmic', which at first sight I believed they possessed.

Their stage presence caught my attention and was later that presence that distracted from the music they were making. I feel a common trend in bands these days, to wear suits and appear to be worn out rockers into their second decade on the circuit. It makes me question how genuine these bands are, and the Departure were provoking these questions too.

I had read many a good quote or two from their interviews prior to this gig, and they seemed to have a lot of positive things to say on their reasons for making the band. Their set was pleasing tonight, but nothing worth losing breath over.

I think its going to take many scruffy suits and trendy mullets before something truly amazing happens, until somewhere on the timeline of average comes a spark- a Pistols, Nirvana and so on. Therefore, my congratulations for The Departure for entertaining the crowd with New Order, Smiths and Idlewild sounding moments.

"If you don't like what you hear, at least get something out of it."
The singer blurts out at some point, a great line that sums up my feeling of this band. One last moment of arrogance proven, happened during the last song when the chubbiest of the band believed he was beyond being struck by water and decided to give some back to the crowd. Even once leaving he felt it was not over. Here's to you stroppy man, there there.

Alterkicks 3.5/5
Departure 3/5

Review by Dan Silburn
www.thedeparture.co.uk
www.alterkicks.co.uk

Can The Departure provide that much needed spark? If not, who can? Discuss on the Messageboard