The Departure
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2003 |
| Headquarters | Northampton , England |
| Products | Albums, EPs, Singles |
The Departure was a rock group originating from Northampton, England, established in October 2003. Their first album, Dirty Words, was released on 13 June 2005 through Parlophone. A follow-up record titled Inventions was anticipated for early 2008 but never materialized due to complications with their label. The band officially ended their activities on 30 January 2008.
History
Initially formed in January 2004, the band began as a partnership between David Jones (vocals/guitar) and Sam Harvey, later expanding to include Ben Winton on bass, Lee Irons on guitar, and Andy Hobson on drums. Jones explained that their ambition was to modernize the sound of the 1980s with a contemporary, sharp edge.[1]
After just three live performances and four months together, they secured a contract with Parlophone, a decision that was met with some doubt.[1] To grow their fanbase, they supported bands such as The Killers, Feeder, Duran Duran, Placebo—including a notable show at Wembley Arena—The Tears, and Gang Of Four. Their debut single "All Mapped Out" achieved number 30 on the UK singles chart and was featured on the soundtrack of Driver: Parallel Lines. The subsequent single "Be My Enemy" was included in the FIFA 06 game soundtrack.
Dirty Words, produced by Steve Osborne and recorded at Realworld Studios, came out one year following their signing with Parlophone. The reissued single from this album did not match the success of its original release. Reviews were mixed; critics acknowledged its dark, futuristic vibe but pointed out its reliance on 1980s influences and lack of depth.[2]
After releasing the album, the band toured across the UK and appeared at various festivals. Early in 2006, guitarist Lee Irons departed due to creative disagreements,[3] with drummer Andy Hobson leaving later that year. Simon Alexander returned to take over drumming duties. The quartet started recording a second album at Grouse Lodge Studios in Ireland, aiming for a 2007 launch. However, following their dismissal from Parlophone, they disbanded in January 2008.
Following the breakup, David Jones went on to form NewIslands in 2010, releasing the track "Out of Time". Subsequently, he established the duo Born Stranger, which transitioned into his solo venture by 2018.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name In 2020, he issued a solo single titled "Headspace" under the alias Maddox Jones.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
Albums
- Dirty Words UK chart position: #91
- Inventions (Not officially released)
EPs
- Lump In My Throat: featuring tracks like Lump In My Throat, Under The Stairs, The City Blurs In Your Eyes, a James Ford remix of Lump In My Throat, plus a live version of Be My Enemy recorded at Lamcq.
- All Mapped Out: including All Mapped Out, Blackout, and an All Mapped Out (¥£$ remix).
- Arms Around Me: comprised various mixes of the song Arms Around Me.
Singles
| Release date | Title | Album | UK |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 August 2004 | "All Mapped Out" | Dirty Words | 30 |
| 18 October 2004 | "Be My Enemy" | Dirty Words | 41 |
| 4 April 2005 | "Lump In My Throat" | Dirty Words | 30 |
| 6 June 2005 | "All Mapped Out" (re-release) | Dirty Words | 33 |
| 17 October 2005 | "Arms Around Me" | Dirty Words | - |
| 3 September 2007 | "7 Years" | Inventions | - |