Who goes on Autumn strolls anyway?
Shimmery chords and driving percussion burst out during the first few seconds of Embrace’s new single. The band, also compared to rising from the proverbial ashes after the success of their last single Gravity, have had phenomenal success with their album ‘Out of Nothing’, from which ‘Ashes’ is the vital first track.
‘Ashes’ is rather like an autumn stroll in the park, it’s crisp, fresh and glowing, but could so easily have been dismal and wet. The song revolves around a powerful lyrical affirmation of strength, underpinned perfectly by buoyant guitar chords and rippling arpeggios. This is a song, which skips merrily along through sweeping heartfelt chorus and sweet verses simmering into a powerful coda with gospel backing singers eventually padding out singer Danny McNamara’s gentle but passionate vocals. The track finishes just as powerfully as it begins, losing nothing of its emotion or pace. ‘Ashes’ is an uncomplicated, but outstanding track bursting with positivity and stunning lyrics, “out of place, like a gem on a coalface”. There is something warmly comforting about ‘Ashes’, but in a covert way, which really makes you feel good about yourself, and moreover convinced by Embrace’s strong and intuitive song writing.