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The local band Bemused has been regularly featured on the local music scene. After competing in last spring’s DU Battle of the Bands, they have played in both the spring and fall showcases here on campus.

The band, which is composed of students from the Lamont School of Music frequently has performances. Earlier this month, the band played at Herman’s Hideaway, and Casselman’s.

After spending time in the recording studio, Bemused has released an LP entitled Departed Ones. 

The acoustic guitar is present much in the style of Dave Matthews.  The melodic element is slightly similar to DeVotchKa. From that base, the band seems to go into more of its own style, not seeking to impersonate or replicate a lot of other music. 

The album includes the sounds of vibraphone, as well as an enjoyable interpolation of “Purple Haze.” The vocals run deeper than one would expect. Variety is present throughout the five tracks on their album.

Length would appear to be the only real discrepancy. There is a good variety of music, but not enough songs. Since it is a freshman album, this can easily be dismissed. The next album should have more songs.

Ultimately, Departed Ones is an album deserving of an audience. While there are different sounds, the transition from song to song never seems patchy or rough. There is a variety of tracks among the assortment of instruments.