Embrace - This New Day

Ain't it a lovely cover? Why, the boys can afford that after the success of the Chris Martin sponsored Out Of Nothing, eh? And don't they look mean and moody in silhouette? See that, it's Scarborough beach. Anyway, the music. It's Embrace. The Embrace we know and tolerate and, occasionally, like. Before that Martin bloke got involved and started writing songs for them (how dare he?!).

Something obviously got into the minds of the McNamara brothers around the time of the Martin connection. Here's a chance to seal our fate in music history by going all bombastic, anthemic and U2 circa The Joshua Tree. Trouble is, the best McNamara is the stripped down, broken heart thrown wide open ballads to be found on If You've Never Been, not their efforts to get stadium crowds hopping on one foot, joining in by singing as equally out of tune as their morose lead singer.

I Can't Come Down - monophonic piano and strings 'n' all - at least shows that Embrace can still do what they do best but, that track aside, This New Day is an acceptable effort and a workmanlike re-tred of Out Of Nothing. I guess they need the money/have contractual obligations to fulfil.

*This CD will be available in Music Zone for £2.97 early 2007.