Departure (Melodic Heavy, US)

Departure is the brainchild of one Mike Walsh and the debut album (ESM 028) has established the band as leaders in their field. Mike is a multi-instrumentalist and has a vast experience of the music industry. He has worked on numerous projects including England's own Mark Thompson -Smith (Formerly of Praying Mantis), and with Dean Fasano for the Message album "Fine Line" (ESM 032). Dean has also co-written some of the songs on this record. In the past few years Mike has also worked with members of Bon Jovi, as well as having produced, scored, written and arranged several New Jersey bands.
Based on the success of the debut, Mike has since written songs for the new Departure record, these have been recorded in New Jersey and bring a new dimension to the band.
The hugely talented Dave Baldwin, who has previously fronted such bands as Vox, Voices and Tradia, has replaced Ken Michaels, the original vocalist. Dave also has a solo album, "Time", which is a superb piece of work and this has helped towards his recognition as a much-respected songwriter and vocalist. Also in the new line-up is drummer Duey Ribestello (Joe Lynn Turner) and Mike Beres on bass. Once again Dave Rosenthal (Red Dawn) has made a guest appearance on keyboards.
Where the first Departure record is a marvelous melodic rock album the follow-up has a much fuller sound which combines the best elements of Journey, Kansas and Styx. The Styx comparison is very apparent as Dave Baldwin has a similar vocal style to Dennis De Young. This is most noticeable on the ballads, just listen to songs like "Destiny", "Hurt sometimes" and "Hard to say no", the latter especially is so much like Styx. When the pace starts to move up a few notches Dave has no problem in altering his range to suit. In fact there are several top-notch rockers, that are both stunning and beautifully arranged and boast huge guitar solos and immense layered keyboards. "Fair warning" and "100 Midnight's" are two such songs, but "Cry for Freedom" has to be one of the best opening songs you are ever likely to hear this year.
Members:
Dave Baldwin: Lead Vocals
Mike Walsh: Guitar, Keyboards, Backing Vocals
John O'Connell: Keyboards, Backing Vocals
Mike Beres: Bass
Duey Ribestello: Drums, Backing Vocals