The saying, "It's the little things in life" has never applied more in my life until this past Friday night at Billy Bobs Tx. Cody Canada's new project/super-band, "The Departed" played their first show in Texas after releasing their first album, "This is Indian Land", this past Tuesday. It was this show and these kind of guys that really made me sit back and think to myself, "Wow, this is what I want to be apart of, this is what I want to do with my life in some way, shape, or form." It is their passion for the art of music, their love of perfecting their craft and putting on a great show, and most of all their attitude throughout it all that make them a must see band.
I can't even begin to describe the atmosphere without including the word, "electric". Fans new and old gathered around to behold the amazing sounds that would be coming from the stage in front of them. I had heard in a few interviews prior that they were not Cross Canadian Ragweed (obviously) and thus would not be including any of those songs into their lineup. Perhaps this was to throw the public off, because after about an hour of brand-new Departed material, we got a little taste of familiarity with "Dimebag". A classic Ragweed song about the late Pantera guitarist, Dimebag Darrell Abbott. The crowd went crazy, as expected. It is the little things such as this that really put a smile on a guys face. I went to Billy Bobs not expecting to hear anything from previous efforts, however, "Dimebag" was only the beginning. Other highlights included a few songs released from lead guitarist and backup vocalist, Seth James, before he joined The Departed. I can also tell you that there were a handful of amazing rock songs that had everyone asking their neighbor, "What song was that?" until Mr. Canada happily announced that these were songs written by The Departed, material for their first actual album (not tribute) to be out sometime soon. (check into "Midnight Train to Memphis"-sung by James)
After a good two and a half hours of solid southern rock-n-roll, everyone left in utter amazement and awe. There hasn't been a show of this caliber come through this area in a very long time and I truly believe that they are on to something big. The Red Dirt Scene has needed a band like this to come along and mix things up. This transition from twangy-country to true blues and banging southern rock is just what the doctor ordered and I think we might see even more bands try to emulate this style in the near future. (Look into Whiskey Myers and their unique rock sound as well)
Perhaps this Oklahoma tribute album is but a stepping stone in the very long career of The Departed. I know I will be patiently waiting for what they have in store next and I hope you will be too.
-Red Dirt Wheeler
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