Refugees (Single) - Embrace

It has been such a long wait for fans of Embrace. The band’s last album was released in 2006 – not long after the group’s previous ‘long awaited return’ – and since that time the band seemed to vanish without a trace. Did the band split up? Was it just a very long hiatus? It was hard to say for sure, because for years and years there was no word to go by. Then, last year members of the band began to release encouraging statements on their facebook page, indicating that a new album was not only in the works, but that the band were ‘champing at the bit’ to make it the best possible. They knew that fans were eager for them to return, and they wanted to return in a major way.

Somehow knowing that a return was imminent made the waiting even harder, because a lengthy silence would often follow on from each big announcement – and fans would grow impatient, worrying that they had been deceived. But then the secret gigs began – offering fans the opportunity to hear some of the new material before anyone else, and within highly immersive settings. The response from fans who were fortunate enough to attend these gigs was incredibly positive, increasing the anticipation even more.

Then at long last the album was finalised, a release date was set, and the first single was made available – the first single in eight years.

‘Refugees’ showcases the band’s ambitious new sound: it is a surging track that races along with a strong sense of urgency, like a rapid heart-beat. The track builds up a strong head of steam, before erupting into a grand anthemic chorus, which successfully makes it abundantly clear that “Embrace are back!”

Both McNamara brothers share the lead vocals on this track, Danny sounding more confident and assured than ever before, and Richard also doing a fine job (hearing him perform lead vocals was always something of a rarity).

The album is set for release on April 28^th, and I know for sure that I will be getting it. Having heard ‘Refugees’ I am very excited to hear the rest of the new material, especially since the band have claimed that this album will be their best since ‘The Good Will Out’!