The English Department

Residing somewhere between the annals of collegiate studies, The L train, North West London and a sweaty dive bar, the English Department are bringing nerd chic and big rock hooks to the masses. A power-trio who wear their eclectic roots on their collective sleeve, The English Department deploy modern indie rock with flourishes of Costello-esque power-pop. Thick distorted guitars merge with a brutally sensitive rhythm section. Stripped down to rock’s most basic lineup, David Wallace (Vox, Guitar), Justin Wallace (Bass, Vox) and Dan Mintzer (Drums, Vox) allow simplicity, melody and musicianship to come to the fore, creating a compelling, intelligent and memorable whole.

Armed with a collection of undeniable songs, The English Department embraces the complexities of the times while never losing their sense of humor and irony. Last year’s debut EP, “The English Department Sing the Hits of Tomorrow…Today” showed a band toying with the various sound’s that have become their staple. Moody mid-tempo rockers juxtaposed with bright up-tempo pop/rock; creating a unique combination of the more recognizable elements of Radiohead and Weezer, Death Cab for Cutie and Elvis Costello. The EP grabbed the attention of bands like Lola Ray (Epic), Army of Me (Atlantic) The Damnwells (Epic) and Fielding (The Millitia Group) all of whom invited the band to share the stage with them. It took them to colleges, venues up and down the North East and to SXSW in 2005.

In August of 2005 The English Department entered the studio with producer Jon Kaplan (Lola Ray, The Damnwells, Gavin Degraw, Grandaddy) to begin recording a new EP entitled, “Stick Figures”. The six song collection finds the band finding themselves. Justin and Dan’s rhythmic intensity is taken to a new level. David’s guitar scratches and claws its way through the stereo spectrum, while his vocals tie the whole thing together. Sounding at once vulnerable and totally in control. This is a passionate voice with charisma and catharsis at its heart.

With a keen sense of melody and arranging, and a killer live show, The English Department never overwhelm their material, allowing their natural charisma and band dynamic to shine through – both on stage and on disc - making sure there’s never a dull moment.