Departures

AHhhhhhhHhh... the sweet melodic pop punk sound of Departures is more than just literally but also figuratively music to my ears after listening to the band I just reviewed below (Fallstar, a God loving hardcore band).
Although the drums on their 5 song EP Without Fear are giving me flashbacks to the hardcore drumming I just heard.. only this time it's totally turning me on to hear it with this style and no throbbing dicks trying to 'clear house'.
PHEW!
I'm into it.
Their vocals remind me of some sort of a combination between A New Found Glory and Millencolin I think, only I'm not sure and feel there's another strong similarity to a singer I love(d) and it urks me that I can't figure it out.
Help?
Anyone?
Anyway they remind me of some other band I know I enjoy(ed) and in turn I like them even more. They also manage to stand out based on the vocals and drums so it works for them in both ways.

A+ boys. - Music She Blogged

Since punk rock's revival in the 90s, the scene has tended to divide itself into re-defined genres with emo, hardcore, metalcore, pop-punk all taking decisively different directions. The attuned ear will have noticed the recent resurgence of americana-tinged punk rock, the niche genre that seems to remain closest to its roots. In this respect, Departures provide all the right elements and a little more...

Paced guitars: check. Snare bashing: check. All-out vocals: check. If that sounds like a platter of goodness to you then opening track 'ThoughtCrime' is likely to please. One the other hand, it doesn't go a lot further than that either but is merely a taster of what is to come. 'Gold Jacket' is the same all over again but with more space dedicated to the vocals and a beautiful middle-section brimming with lovely harmonies.

Past the opening two tracks though, we enter the real deal. 'Eight Years While You Were Dead' owes a lot to some driving rhythms to help create a soft tension that dissolves into a well-worked chorus. Departures take the same elements but seem to work around a few conventions and dab with a little shy experimentation, it's all for the best. Stand-out track 'Signals' showcases another intelligently written mid-tempo chorus that sears through some fast-paced punk rock but is interrupted by a welcome acoustic section that predicts the final storm, filled with gang-vocals, arpeggios, cymbals and enough emotion to fuel an Oscars' acceptance speech.

A short instrumental track of soothing interlaced-guitars backed by a crescendo of mixed noises brings the EP to a close with a cocktail of chaos and softness. It doesn't truly define Departures, but it's an effective ending to what is a solid set of punk rock tunes.

3.5/5 - Alter The Press

Alter The Press! has joined up with Bayonne, New Jersey's Departures to stream their new EP, 'Without Fear'.

The five song collection is the bands first release since their 2009 self-titled EP and is produced by John Naclerio (Brand New, My Chemical Romance, Polar Bear Club.) The EP mixes a distinct punk rock similar to bands like The Swellers and Transit with a subtle post-rock style. - Altherthepress.com

Departures, spawned from the remnants of several North Jersey bands, sure seem to know their genre forefathers. Channeling the likes of such late great pop punk staples as Bodyjar (seriously, the spirit of Bodyjar is alive and well if their latest track “Thought Crime” is anything to go by) and all the best parts of the 1990’s pop punk explosion. By following this path without sounding like a rehash of their influences or simply mimicking the current crop of pop punk bands turning heads, they give a real sense of honesty to their sound which is quite refreshing.
For Fans Of: Set Your Goals, The Swellers, Transit, Crime In Stereo, Strike Anywhere - Property of Zach

With an honest, hard working ethic, the four-piece are now set to gain new recognition with a new EP, 'Without Fear'.Produced by John Naclerio (Brand New, My Chemical Romance, Polar Bear Club,) the EP sees the bands punk influences being blended with a subtle, uplifting post-rock stance. With such an interesting combination, its worth giving Departures a chance as they have a refreshing and truthful approach. - Alter The Press

Departures, spawned from the remnants of several North Jersey bands, sure seem to know their genre forefathers. Channeling the likes of such late great pop punk staples as Bodyjar (seriously, the spirit of Bodyjar is alive and well if their latest track "Thought Crime" is anything to go by) and all the best parts of the 1990's pop punk explosion. By following this path without sounding like a rehash of their influences or simply mimicking the current crop of pop punk bands turning heads, they give a real sense of honesty to their sound which is quite refreshing.

Fans of the genre will enjoy the ease in which Departures manage to harness the essentials; catchy hooks and infectious harmonies sprinkled generously over the up tempo pop punk beats. With bands like The Wonder Years, Transit, Man Overboard and the seemingly immortal New Found Glory keeping the pop punk torch burning brighter than ever, it is great to see a band that could potentially continue keeping this genre relevant and honest for years to come.

Hit up their Myspace for a sample of what Departures provide or make this Aussie jealous and catch one of their shows up and down the American East Coast - Absolutepunk.net