Departed - 'Departed'

Words by Rachael Steemson

“Are you ready?” asks the opening track of Departed’s self-titled debut EP. Well, you better get ready. Fast.

Departed are headed up by Ben Brookland (former Lead Guitarist of The Treatment) and Mark Pascall (Lead Singer) who in past guises has supported The Darkness and The Answer, so they’ve already been around. Here they’ve paired their strengths to make magic, leaving you with music to revel too. Get your air guitar out, you’re going to need it. 

At times, the EP feels like an (albeit heavier) homage to Bon Jovi; especially ‘Pretty Little Things’ which surfaces memories of JBJ’s ‘Blaze of Glory’, and that’s no bad thing.

Hints of Guns ‘n’ Roses can be heard and though Mark doesn’t quite match the powerful screeches of Axl Rose, it doesn’t seem to matter. He really comes into his own on ‘Superstitious’, sweeping away any comparisons with his unique wailings that will leave you tingling in all the right places.  

Considering these boys were already critically acclaimed in their own right, it’s exciting to see what they’ll do next as a foursome. 

Catch them live this summer on the following dates.

8th July - Apple & Parrot, Torquay

12th August - Livewire

23rd September - Looe Music Festival 

More dates will follow soon on their Facebook page. Departed are ready when you are.