'So Far Away' A New Single From Department S Featuring Baz Warne - Released 9th June 2023

 

As was the case for many, Department S came to my attention by way of the brilliant 'Is Vic There?' single in late 1980. Taking their name from a UK sci-fi series that launched the iconic character of Jason King, the band released a clutch of singles that really deserved better chart placings than they achieved. The B-side of 'Going Left Right' (the follow up to 'Is Vic There?'), 'She's Expecting You' was always a favourite of mine, a rather sinister pre-Sat Nav journey into London recited over a suspense loaded bassline... I wonder what did transpire behind the closed door of the Hilton Suite 325? Their contemporaries understood the quality of their sharp sound that to my ears straddled both post punk and the mod revival musical genres that opened the 1980's. Not least among these were The Jam who had the band support them on several occasions.

The original incarnation of the band split in 1982, but you can't keep a good thing down as they say as the band reformed in 2007. No strangers to collaborations, the revamped Department S recorded songs with the likes of Glen Matlock, Marco Pirroni and Bedders from Madness.

So, moving right up to the present...

On 9th June 2023 (today!), the band release their new single in digital and vinyl (coloured 7") formats. 'So Far Away' features the guitar work of Baz in a collaboration that pre-dates the Wingmen project.

The song is a pacey reflection upon the limited time that we have on this mortal coil.  

The intro builds over the opening lines;

'I see a radar pulse on a screen

I don't know where it is but I think it's me

And where it's heading I cannot say

Over so many hills and so far away.'

The atmospheric keyboards and the sharp, tight delivery of the guitar, bass and drums ensure that the track retains the essence of the Department S sound, whilst Baz's guitar part achieves the 'wistful vibe' that the band were keen to evoke. Together, the band and Baz have created a feel to the song that is so befitting to the lyrical content.

'Only change is constant, there can be no doubt

You're not the same man as the boy who started out

How much time is left to us it's hard to say

When you're over so many hills

And you're so far away.'

A 'Relentless' feel is certainly in there and Baz through his guitarwork on the track also brings in some of the feel of 'Dark Matters'. I also pick up tinges of recent material from The Damned, but perhaps that is not so surprising as the new Department S may or may not be listening to the Wingmen... featuring Paul Gray. The collaboration principle is extended further on the forthcoming studio album, 'Burn Down Tomorrow', additionally features Leigh Heggarty (Ruts DC/Wingmen) and Stephen Rice (The Chameleons).

It could be the case that the message of the song can be taken in more than one way, depending I guess on the listener's mood or inherent outlook on life.... 'Glass half full or half empty'. The lyrics could be positive and upbeat or rueful and melancholic.... it really is your call!

Visit http://www.dept-s.com and sign up to the mailing list in order to get further details for purchasing this release.

Phil Thompson (Department S) and Baz Warne at the Cenurion Club Somersham in 2018

(photo courtesy of the Department S Facebook page).