This Broken World is the 22nd full-length solo album by A J Kimmel (aka Departure Street), and the fifth on the Shady Ridge Records label. The album is a continuation of the musical journey that is implicit in the pseudonym, Departure Street. Departure is a word with mixed meanings – it may refer to leaving, as is the case for the growing number of people I have crossed in my life or have inspired me in some way and who have now passed on. Departure also refers to a starting point from which one embarks on a new journey of hope, discovery, and growth.
As the title suggests, the album was inspired - or more accurately, provoked - by the current world Zeitgeist, which is one of anxiety, uncertainty, and pessimism. That is not to say that these are characteristics of the music by any means. Rather, the seven alt-ambient, psychedelic solo electric guitar tracks are haunting and atmospheric, marked by reverb heavy loops intended to elicit strong emotional reactions on the part of the listener. There is a sense of desperation in the music, which concludes with a final track suggestive of the prospect that a broken world is not impossible to repair.
credits
released October 31, 2025
Music credited and performed by Allan J Kimmel (as Departure Street)
Photography by Allan J Kimmel
Mastered by Olivier Nicolas
Allan J. Kimmel (aka Departure Street) is an American/French solo electric guitarist based in Paris France. He plays
alternative ambient and neo-folk/psychedelic music.
supported by 14 fans who also own “This Broken World”
Ali Murray’s latest release as The Lonely Bell marks a significant evolution in his already compelling catalog of dark ambient soundscapes. “Time Beyond the Edges,” released through Minnesota’s Shady Ridge Records, represents both a culmination of Murray’s established aesthetic vision and an adventurous exploration into collaborative territory. Ambient Spaces Radio
supported by 13 fans who also own “This Broken World”
This is a fantastic release from an artist I have liked for a while. We chose 'Coral Dancing' for airplay on #TheLaunchpad on Skylab Radio on Thursday 23rd May 2024. Katy Jay - Skylab Radio
An experimentation in the new wave of Rai, with collaborations ranging from Casablanca to Berlin, Algiers to Beirut, Paris to Oujda. Bandcamp New & Notable Dec 9, 2025