Not Just Indie Crooners
Having fought back from the miserable days of the early '90s when the band had no deal and were on the dole, last year's 'Out Of Nothing' truly came out of nowhere and raised the band's profile, now even the title, 'This New Day' embodies the new found positivity.
Opening with the bright buzz of 'No Use Crying' which has some very U2-esque echoing guitar notes, Embrace are onto another winner; everyone know confidence is catching and Embrace plan to use it to their advantage. Number two single 'Nature's Law' is clearly already impressing audiences with its melodic tune filled with all the qualities an epic indie number needs, like Snow Patrol's 'Run' it's the kind of tune that makes your heart swell with emotion.
'Sainted' pulls an electro-rock style out of the bag; it may sound a little out of place, but its funky retro feel with big overridden guitar sounds is perfect to break up the typical sunshine indie offerings and the chorus chant of, "Big fish eat the little one" is fun and catchy. Touching ballad 'I Can't Come Down' is a stark contrast as the vocals sway above a lilting piano tune.
'Celebrate' is full of energy and driven along by some quick-stepping piano parts kept up by a flood of majestically major guitar chords; to keep it alive there's a shadow of melancholy but it's overcome by the final strains. 'Exploding Machines' carries an equally fervent feeling in its anthemic chorus; it's not quite explosive but definitely ends with plenty of vigour.
Embrace will doubtless be criticised for making 'safe' radio-friendly indie tunes, but there are tracks on this album such as the aforementioned 'Sainted' and the defiant, haunting guitar-frenzy of 'Even Smaller Stones' which prove otherwise. This aching tune full of dark passion is certainly one of the highlights of the album.
Balmy, 'This New Day' brings the album to a suitable close with its powerful chorus and tense instrumental pauses. This album is the product of a band with a renewed passion and belief and this comes across in the confident dynamics of this album, there are plenty of songs will the ability to make great singles and Embrace are certainly back for good.