EMBRACE PERFORMING AT SOUTHAMPTON’S ENGINE ROOMS AS PART OF THEIR “OUT OF NOTHING” 20TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR

★★★★☆ (4/5)

EMBRACE PERFORMING AT SOUTHAMPTON’S ENGINE ROOMS
PHOTOCREDIT: CHARIS LYDIA BAGIOKI

When I said to my work colleagues that I would be attending Embrace’s gig tonight, in celebration of the 20th anniversary of their album ‘Out of Nothing’, they described the gig with two words ‘sad songs’. Whilst this embodies perfectly the type of music Embrace have been producing since the 1990s, sad songs is not all the band is about – quite frankly it is the exact opposite. As their 2024 UK tour is bringing small waves into the scene, it is a celebration to revisit the emotional highs of the album and welcome back the band. Known for their chart-topping single ‘Gravity’ – co-written by Coldplay’s Chris Martin – and the anthemic ‘Ashes’, the album holds a special place in the hearts of fans and the band alike. And this was obvious because the gig was sold out!

Embrace’s tour so far has been met with a lot of enthusiasm, and tonight was no exception to the rule, as the venue was jam-packed with people ready to hear the album into its entirety, as well as the promised hits from Embrace’s catalogue. Capturing the emotion and raw energy that was a great throwback to the release of the album, the venue was instantly filled with sweeping melodies and heartfelt lyrics, accompanied by a slightly cinematic atmosphere. Even though Embrace had pulled their loyal audience into the gig, any fans of Coldplay, Snow Patrol and Keane would definitely enjoy this gig to the fullest.

Starting of on a high, the first few songs ‘All You Good Good People’, ‘Someday’ and ‘Looking As You Are’, were definitely not sad. They incorporated a broader palette of sounds with orchestral and electronic elements – arguably reminiscent of Oasis – with melodies and intense vocals. The audience was swaying and singing along from the start, and as hits like ‘A Glorious Day’ and ‘Out of Nothing’ came on, the audience was jumping and bouncing even more. The atmosphere became a bit more mellow and dramatic as the slower songs came on, with everyone holding their flashlights out to create a sea of lights that added a pinch of nostalgia to the mix. Embrace also brought out a special guest to sing along ‘Never’ as a prequel to when ‘Gravity’ and ‘Ashes’ actually came on. These songs were a testament to the magic this concert entailed, showing the band’s enduring connection with their audience and the realisation that the band is indeed back.

The next part of the show was an encore, the most energetic part of it being reserved for ‘Back To What You Know’ and ‘We Are It’. The audience was more and more responsive to the band’s gratitude and banter, while everyone seemed to be swept away by the band’s return to the British rock scene. Ending the set with ‘Good Will Out’, Embrace ended their show on a high. The energy amplified the passion that came from their songs, making their anniversary a particularly special event for their fans.