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Detachments | |
|---|---|
| Origin | London, England[1] |
| Genres | Post-punk revival, NewColdwave,Minimal Wave, Synthwave,Industrial, Haunted House,[2]Synthpop,Art rock, Dark wave |
| Years active | 2008–present |
| Labels | ThisIsNotAnExit Records, Hacienda Records, Young & Cold Records |
| Members | Bastien Marshal (Vocals/Guitar/keyboards) + detachable musicians. |
| Website | detachments |
Detachments are a London-based, post-punk influenced art rock/electronic group led byBlackpool raised Bastien Marshal (Manchester born).[2] They were signed by Thisisnotanexit Records in 2008. Their sound has been compared to that ofNew Wave music of the late 1970s and early 1980s, such asNew Order[3] andJoy Division.[4]
Detachments' vocalist, Bastien Marshal, has stated that he listened to New Order, Joy Division,The Cure, andDepeche Mode in his early teens, and that they became major influences on his musical style. He moved from Lancashire to London and worked as agraphics designer for six years, a job which he found to be too routine and boring. He quit his job after starting anelectronic band called R3mote. He said that he sent a demo CD toAndrew Weatherall who signed them toRotters Golf Club, the six track Remotion EP received significant critical acclaim in the electronic dance music press.[2]
After meetings withUniversal Music Group broke down, Marshal decided to abandon R3mote and start a new, more live-based band called Detachments. He says that much of Detachments' eponymous album is inspired by his distaste for the corporate work environment and the angst he feels towards how people tend to lose the ideals they held as youths when they become indoctrinated into ordinary working lifestyles.[2]
Their official debut single wasThe Flowers That Fell (released 2009). Their second singleCircles was produced byJames Ford and accompanied byH.A.L. produced byAndrew Weatherall. The package includes several acclaimed remixes including the Round&Round Mix byDubstep pioneerMartyn which is featured on theFabric 50 compilation.[citation needed]
With its Nouveau Minimal Wave and Cold Wave sound, Detachments' ensuing eponymous debut album (produced by James Ford) found them an international cult following. The album is steeped with existential undertones and an austere, dystopian outlook. 2014 saw the release of the Endgame EP which received critical acclaim from the likes ofMusic Week, Spindle andClash Magazine (Track of the Day). In 2018, the German label Young & Cold Records unveiled Detachments'Chain of Command EP. The group continues to perform across Europe.[citation needed]
James Ford (ofSimian Mobile Disco) andPeter Hook (ofJoy Division andNew Order) have both collaborated with Detachments.[5][3] Peter Hook joined Detachments onstage playing bass with the band forSalford Foundation Trust –Tony Wilson Awards, which led to the release of theFade EP on Hacienda Records in 2012.[citation needed] In 2019 and 2022 Bastien Marshal performed lead vocals on several songs forPeter Hook's Joy Division Orchestrated at iconic venues including London'sRoyal Albert Hall andSydney Opera House.[6][7][8]
The limited edition 12" releaseFear No Fear received positive reviews including earning "Single of the Day" in aTimes review byTrevor Jackson,[9] who liked what he heard so much that he later went on to produceMessages andThe Flowers That Fell.
The Flowers That Fell was named "Single of the Week" for the week of April 27, 2009 byDrowned in Sound.[4] It also achievedNME Radio A-List status, andBBC Radio 1 Alternative Single of The Week onSteve Lamacq's in New Music We Trust show, the track also featured at number 3 inNME magazine's 10 Tracks You Have To Hear feature.
In 2010The Guardian columnistPaul Lester nominated Detachments for Best New Bands of 2010 where they sat at the top of the list.[10]