We're excited to announce that <a title="The Star Department" href="http://www.hiddenshoal.com/project/the-star-department/">The Star Department</a>'s gorgeous debut album is finally out. At its core, <i>The Pea Green Boat</i> is irrepressibly melodic and always inventive, never relying on predictable forms to deliver its charms. Each song is crafted around a playful, deftly composed structure, with a delicate yet potent mix of lo-fi guitars, horns, organ and off-kilter rhythm section. Given the album’s wonderful mix of indie pop and art-rock it comes as no surprise to learn that production credits for the album include David Brewis of Field Music, and Tom McFall (Bloc Party, REM, Stars, Weezer).

<i>‘Art rock with a nice, romantic/melodic edge’ – </i><b>The Guardian</b>

The first single from <i>The Pea Green Boat</i>, ‘This Ship Won’t Sail’, provides the perfect introduction to the album with its inventive take on expansive down-tempo indie pop. The song’s organ-driven twists and turns evoke the dark charm of Psychedelic Fur’s ‘Sister Europe’, Deerhunter’s more pop-leaning moments, and the chiming guitar work of seminal Flying Nun outfits. Never self-indulgent yet never predictable, this is hypnotic, emotive stuff. Second single ‘Stitches and Sleeves’ is bound together by a heartbreaking guitar line, a silvery waltz-time figure that sends shivers up the spine. Combined with shuffling drums, a muted yet ominous horn section, and Justin Commins’ vulnerable, almost defeated vocal, the song radiates melancholic pop magic.

Stream and buy <em>The Pea Green Boat</em> via <a title="BandCamp" href="http://thestardepartment.bandcamp.com/">Bandcamp</a> as well as the usual digital outlets.