'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).

'Fly Straight' A Charity Concert in Memory of Dave Greenfield The Centurion Club Somersham 16th July 2022

 

It is hard for me to get my head around the fact that it is now over two years since we grappled with the terrible news that Dave Greenfield, our maestro of the keys, had succumbed to COVID-19. He has been in my mind, if not daily, weekly ever since. Of course Dave had a funeral but like thousands of others it was limited due to COVID restrictions. Many people had been denied the opportunity of being able say goodbye until now. 

When an online announcement appeared (perhaps a little prematurely!) that a charity gig was taking place in Dave's memory, I was quick off the mark to get tickets for what was effectively Dave's wake. This was my first visit to Somersham, Dave's adopted home village. I had intended to see Dave and Baz play some years previously but as I recall work travel requirements got in the way. I bitterly regret that now.

The line up looked great, a mix of collaborators and recent tour supports. On the day, sadly Ruts DC were not with us. They had to pull out due to personal circumstances, but no matter, as disappointing as it was, today was about Dave and the gathering of friends brought together by Dave and the music of The Stranglers. 

The first band that I ventured into the hall for was Department S or more accurately their guitarist Phil Thompson. An all round nice guy, Phil also plays with The Rezillos and deps for The Vapors. As such he is steeped in that New Wave UK thing. He played a great set that took in 'Turning Japanese', Do Anything You Wanna Do', a bit of 'Psychokiller' and of course 'Is Vic There?'. A good start to the days proceedings.

My time was split between the activities on stage and the makeshift box office in the bar. This was not a problem as the box office table was commandeered by Owen, Jacquie, Nick and Elayne, so the conversation was good and the near proximity of the bar meant that the beers (and cider) flowed.

Gunta holding the box office fort.

I missed the Countess of Fife (who has a lovely hound by the way) but did see the acoustic Rezillos. In this respect the running order posted on the wall was rather misleading, suggesting as it did that the set would run to 40 minutes. In the event, the set ran to 3 songs, but that was OK, it was fun and presented Rocky with a new challenge... quieter drumming!

'I Can't Stand My Baby'

At this point the need for food intervened. The fact that I was drinking Stella Artois, a strong beer and never one that I would choose normally.... I did it all for Dave... meant that some manner of food related interlude was the best idea.

Early evening saw the worst excesses of this mad July weather abate to a degree.... or a few degrees... and we could sit outside.

Enter Baz Warne.

At 9.30 if the running order had any meaning at this point in the day.... I certainly wasn't keeping track of the time at the point that we filed in for Baz's set, we came to the most poignant part of the events of the day.

Throughout, performers had spoken fondly of Dave and their personal recollections of this remarkably talented and enigmatic musician. However, Baz's take on things was always going take things up to a higher emotional level.

Baz opened the set with a declaration that he was going to play a selection of songs that meant a lot to Dave. I was thrilled that he opened with Johnny Cash's 'The Man Comes Around', my album of the year back in 2002 when it was released. To hear a Strangler perform a non-Stranglers' song that means so much to me was wonderful. With it's visions of Armageddon it could have been a 'Gospel' era B-side! 

Photo courtesy of Saz.

The set that followed was career spanning but what came across strongly from the stage was just how supportive the quiet man on the keyboards had been of the new boy in the band. more so it seems than another band member that had significantly less Stranglering time under his belt than Dave, Jet or JJ!

The penultimate song, 'And If You Should See Dave' was clearly the most poignant point of the day. I think that the decision to close the set with 'Always the Sun' thus ending his contribution was a good call on Baz's part as it lifted the crowd after the reflective solemnity of 'Dave'. I was pleased to hear my vocals on the recording!

Dave was a part of my life for 41 years, initially from a distance of the rock star/fan but in later years rather closer. On one of the last times I spoke to him in France there were just four of us and the four members of the band drinking beer in the dressing room and I was able to talk to Dave about his early years in Brighton (my neck of the woods as well). 

So thanks Dave Greenfield for serving up the soundtrack of my life all the way from a teenager to a middle aged grump! It meant a lot!