Departure - Hitch A Ride

Mike Walsh is a well-respected multi-instrumentalist/songwriter/producer from the US. Over the years he has cooperated with some big names of the rock scene such as: Bon Jovi, Dean Fasano & Mark Thompson-Smith (ex-Praying Mantis) among others. In the late 90s he did form his own musical moniker under the name of Departure. Of course, with such a name you can only assume that Journey would be the basic influence… and that’s not far away from the truth. Although in a five-year period he released 3 albums with Departure, “Departure” in 1998, “Open Your Mind” in 1999 and “Corporate Wheel” in 2003… the band suddenly disappeared from the scene.

 

Thus, after almost a decade Departure are back… with a new singer, Andi Kravljaca (Silent Call) on board. Mike picks up from where he left with the previous release… meaning that “Hitch A Ride” is moving in the same melodic rock/AOR path… with nice hooks and beautiful tunes. The album starts ideally with the fantastic & catchy “No Where to Go” and continues with the very good songs: “You Don’t Need To This Anymore”, “Waiting For Rain To Come” & “Soldier Of Fortune”. The first 4 songs are wonderful and will satisfy anyone who seeks exciting songs. Add the song “Roses” and the splendid ballad “Without You” and you’ve got the best songs of the album. The other songs are more generic without being bad or anything exceptional at all. Andi has a rich & beautiful voice and fits Mark’s music greatly. The album flows nicely and has a clear and smooth production as well. If you like the previous albums of the band and well-delivered melodic rock/AOR music in general, then you will certainly enjoy “Hitch A Ride”.