Equal Vision Records has signed The Dear & Departed. The band recently wrapped up recording with New Found Glory guitarist, Chad Gilbert (H2O, Fireworks), and will release the new material as a digital EP and 7" later this year and tour to support. The band's vocalist, Dan Smith, contributed vocals to AFI's Decemberunderground, while drummer James Walsh also spends time in Shook Ones.

The band released Something Quite Peculiar in May 2007, produced by Chris Vrenna, whose production resume includes U2 and Smashing Pumpkins in addition to his work as drummer/programmer for Nine Inch Nails, Marilyn Manson and Gnarls Barkley, with additional production from AFI's Jade Puget.

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