Synthwave band The Department have just released their debut single ‘As If Transformed’ with one of the coolest video’s we’ve seen in a while.
The video features a feast of sexy people and outlandish costumes, the video is a parody of glitzy cosmetics commercials and uses the device of segmented characters, who are picked and mixed to humorous effect.
It was produced by OneRedEye agency, shot at OneRedEye studios in London, directed by Ed Robinson and stars the beautiful Lebanese model Karen El-khazen with appearances by Zeke Manyika – the drummer from ‘The The’, and Barbara Alcindor – singer from the European pop group ‘French Affair’.
The Department is a powerful new synthwave band, established in 2013 with one foot in London and the other in Sweden. Inspired by 80’s electro and new wave, their ethos is about creating dramatic, instant, energetic electronic music with moving lyrics that explore life, love and existence.
Rob Green, the founding member of The Department, used to make progressive house records back in the mid-90’s under several monikers. His records were supported by the likes of Pete Tong & Sasha, he has DJ’d in clubs such as The Hacienda and sold tens of thousands of records. But when Rob’s kitchen radio got stuck on an 80’s music radio station in 2012, all the favourite tunes of his youth slipped back under his skin. Samplers and glow sticks were soon replaced with synthesizers and microphones and The Department was born!
Rob cites his main influences as being bands like The Cure, The Smiths, Soft Cell, Depeche Mode, The The and New Order. ‘Our supporters have compared us to many bands of the 80’s,’ says Rob, ‘but if I was asked to describe us, I would say: ‘imagine if The Smiths and The Cure were fused into a 2-piece electronic band – The Department is a little bit like that!’’
Magnus Lindström is a newcomer to the band, from Sweden. He is also in a popular Swedish electro band called Mr. Jones Machine and has an arsenal of classic analogue synths in his Gothenburg studio. Rob describes Lindström as ‘a true synth guru’ and is delighted with his new band mate.
The Department has so far played live at the legendary Romonight club in Gothenburg and London’s famous 100 Club, to amazing reactions.
The Department are Rob Green (vocals and synths) & Magnus Lindström (synths) and are currently on Hard Cell Records.
‘As If Transformed’ single is available to purchase via iTunes
For gig bookings/enquiries please email: departmentthe@gmail.com
Website: http://www.thedepartment-official.com
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/the-department
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/departmentthe
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DepartmentThe
YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/user/DepartmentOfficial
