Departure Lounge

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.