Departure United States

"It's interesting that people accuse metal and hard rock of not being melodic, resorting instead to the crappy mainstream pop music that we are force-fed these days. What a shame that is, because there are hard rock bands out there, like Departure, whose music is massively melodic and much more artistic (they write their own music and play their own instruments etc.) and worthy of attention than your Rihannas, Lady GaGas, and Shakiras.

"Hitch A Ride" is a collection of tasty and catchy melodic hard rock songs, many of which feature a lot of AOR elements. Just check the opening theme of the very first track, which is hugely catchy and pretty much sets the tone for the rest of the album. Of course, some tracks, such as "Travel Through Time", are heavier than others, and some, like "LuvSick" and "This Is My Time", are uplifting while others are more ballady, like "Rose" and "Soldier of Fortune". Regardless of whatever mode of expression Departure operates with, one thing is ubiquitous - namely, melody.

As musicians and songwriters, Departure are incredibly skilled, and the performance is brilliant across the board. I especially appreciate the prominent use of melodic guitar leads and guitar harmonies.

I think that all the tunes on this album have something to offer, but I would like to highlight the slightly ballady "Soldier of Fortune" and the hard rockers "Travel Through Time" and "Outside Looking In" as my favorites of the album.

This is a hugely melodic and catchy hard rock album which should have broad appeal. Let's put it this way, if you like melodic music and don't give Departure's latest album a listen, then you are a total moron.

(review originally posted at metalmusicarchives.com)"