Embrace's Out Of Nothing' album - Tiscali Music Reviews

13/09/2004

Album release date: 13th September 2004

If any band needed a kick in the right direction it was Embrace. Having released a critically and commercially successful debut album with 'The Good Will Out' they nearly blew it all with the release of the overly fussy 'Drawn From Memory' and the less than inspiring 'If You've Never Been'.

Now, having parted company with HUT they find themselves on Independiente, home of Travis and Weller resurrectionalists. They couldn't be more at home and the results are staggering.

'Out Of Nothing', the band's fourth album, is the best they have ever made. The McNamara brothers have buckled down to some serious songwriting (aided by Coldplay's Chris Martin on first single 'Gravity') to produce a selection of songs that can all lay claim to the title 'Classic'.

Opening with the monumental 'Ashes' it is clear from the off that this is not some huge stylistic leap. Instead Embrace have consolidated all they are good at (epic, heart-warming anthems) and finally made the album they have always promised. 'Gravity' is exactly what you'd expect, a Coldplay tune as played by Embrace, but where as Chris Martin and the boys are often stark and fidgety Embrace cover the track in a lushness that makes you swoon. Next up 'Someday' comes across like the younger brothers of Spiritualized complete with a finale featuring a full on gospel choir, 'Wish 'Em All Away' is harmonica soaked loveliness with a chorus that touches the heavens and 'Spell It Out' is a string-laden monster that has 'festival closer' written all over it.

The album ends as magnificently as it begins with a triplet of songs that takes the breath away. The gentle 'A Glorious Day', atmospheric 'Near Life' and magnificent title track prove just how far Embrace have come since the days of out of tune criticisms and gags about being Oasis' little brothers.

'Out Of Nothing' is a truly exceptional album that suggests that, far from being over, the journey for Embrace has only just begun.