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IT: Departure

Now here's a good progressive rock CD from a band called IT, and no they have nothing to do with that creepy Steven King movie about a red nosed freak.

IT's newest collection of tunes is titled Departure, with three previous album's to their name since forming in 1994. I found myself easily drawn to this band's music, like rocker "God Is Dead" which is single material, benefits from those female vocals during the chorus. "Killing Me" has a heavier feel thanks to some harder guitar and twin kicks in the chorus, speaking of which the chorus has a vibe similar to the band Muse- it's a powerful track both musically and lyrically. IT brings some blues on track five "Fighting For Freedom" complete with harmonica, resulting in some more top music. George W's voice makes an appearance on "Standback Part 2", with some of his statements that are quite astounding.

Departure also comes bundled with a bonus DVD, which I haven't seen as I only received the CD, so I can't say what it's like, but there's footage of the band performing, video clips and a documentary within.

Departure is purely a gathering of well performed songs; it really is likeable music that you could turn on anytime without objections. After hearing this CD I am actually quite surprised more hasn't been said about this band.


Track list:
1. God is Dead
2. Departure
3. Killing Me
4. Car Crash
5. Fighting For Freedom
6. Burn Part 1
7. Burn Part 2
8. Safe
9. Standback Part 1
10.Standback Part 2
11.Disappear

Added: February 28th 2010
Reviewer: Scott Jessup
Score:
Related Link: Band Website
Hits: 2229
Language: english

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» SoT Staff Roundtable Reviews:

IT: Departure
Posted by Jon Neudorf, SoT Staff Writer on 2010-02-28 22:09:31
My Score:

The United Kingdom band It came out with a new album in 2009 entitled Departure, their fourth release in the last fifteen years. The band takes a slightly different approach in making progressive rock, resulting in a bold, fresh sound that can be compared to bands like Porcupine Tree, Pink Floyd and alternative bands like The Cure, but please keep in mind that It are really their own band and not a copy cat of anyone. That, in and of itself, is a good enough reason to hear this album.

Nick Jackson (lead vocals, guitar) formed the band in 1994 and his joined by Andy Rowberry (lead guitar), James Dunn (bass), Will Chism (drums) and Rob Archibald (keyboards). They are a tight unit and are able to meld different styles including metal, alternative, pop, rock, psychedelic, space rock and blues.

They have an upbeat sound infused with a great sense of melody that you will have you tapping your feet as you listen to these eleven songs. The tunes are based heavily on the guitar, ranging from crunchy progressive metal riffs and screaming psychedelic leads to spaced out solos. Keyboards are used to fill in the gaps adding depth and atmosphere to the band's sound. If you are looking for solo extravaganzas and self indulgent playing you need to look elsewhere as you will not find that here. This is very much a total band effort with no one musician hogging the spotlight.

The album begins with the hard edged pop of "God Is Dead" with its crunchy grooves and psychedelic flavoured guitar. The catchy "Killing Me" would do well on the radio if given the chance and the Floydish "Car Crash" with its soothing acoustic sounds does well in creating a dreamy atmosphere. Another winner is the bluesy "Fighting For Freedom" with excellent harmonica, spacey keyboards and progressive metal riffs. A unique combination to say the least but it works beautifully.

My favourite song is the spaced out progressive rock of "Disappear", sounding a bit like Porcupine Tree and Pink Floyd, yet with a modern sound all their own. This one has some of the best guitar on the album, including melodic leads, crunchy, powerful riffs and pastoral acoustic rhythms. Jackson's voice is also at his melodic best.

This is a superb album with no weak songs. Departure should be making waves in the progressive work world, so what are you waiting for? A fine album indeed.




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