The London four-piece
Departure Lounge has been composing their own brand of alternative rock since the late '90s. Frontman
Tim Keegan, who used to play guitar with
Robyn Hitchcock & the Egyptians, formed
Departure Lounge with guitarist
Chris Anderson, percussionist
Lindsay Jamieson, and bassist
Jake Kyle. The band released their debut Out of There, with
Simon Raymonde (
Cocteau Twins) in the production seat, in spring 2000. In 2001, the band traveled from their native England to the Bible belt for some musical mayhem. There,
Departure Lounge began a bi-weekly stint at Nashville's Slow Bar. This turned into a six month run and musicians like singer/songwriter Josh Rouse, Lambchop, John Painter, and Bob Dylan's steel player Bucky Baxter joined the band on stage. Shortly thereafter, they inked a deal with Nettwerk America and worked with Kid Loco for their proper sophomore effort Too Late to Die Young. This particular album, which was issued in spring 2002, showcased
Departure Lounge's space rock ambience and gritty guitars for something typically indie. ~ MacKenzie Wilson