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13 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
"Muck-eye" Strikes Again, 29 Jun 2002
His name is not pronounced 'Mac-aye'. It is pronounced MUCK-EYE. MUCK EYE!Now we've got that clear, we can get down to business. It is unlikely that Ian MacKaye would approve of this - because he has remained steadfastly independent of big business even though he has been in some of the most influential bands of all time. And when I say "all time", I mean all the time which has happened to ME. Like Rites of Spring, Embrace are often attributed (again, by me) as being one of the first and best ever 'emo' (emotional hardcore) bands. After the disbanding of Minor Threat, Ian went on to front a number of 'projects', most notably Embrace and, uh, what was the other one? Some band called Fugazi, but I wouldn't know much about them. Two other members of Embrace used to be in a band called Faith with Ian's little-known brother, and the original lineup of Embrace also included Jeff Nelson (drummer of Minor Threat, co-owner of Dischord records). However, according to MacKaye, Nelson 'agreed' to leave before there was one tension in the band too many. They managed to play nine shows and record this LP before splitting up. Apparently there was some debate about whether or not to release the self-titled Embrace album, but I'm glad they did. Ian continues with his fairly hardcore vocal style, although its more tuneful shouting than Minor Threat. In fact, the feel of the album is quite the opposite of Rites of Spring - there is a lot of energy apparent, but it is controlled and, dare I say it, quite upbeat. I always feel good while listening to this album - even if I'm waiting for a late bus. Unlike later Fugazi songs (that were no doubt influenced by the other band members such as Rites of Spring's Guy Picciotto), Ian's lyrics are still on the whole simplistic and to-the-point. However they do deal with a range of topics, mostly at least involving dealing with emotions, which I suppose is what gave the band the retrospective 'emo' tag in the first place. It's a different deal to Rites of Spring (the other 'classic' emo album) though, not focusing on relationships and love so closely but shouting about wider issues. Today a lot of it can sound clichéd - but it's worth remembering that this was a very influential album by a very influential band on a very influential label. Do you see? Embrace is an enjoyable listen and excellent for getting the adrenaline rushing (especially useful for caffeine-free straightedgers no doubt), but in my mind sits below Rites of Spring in terms of originality and isn't as essential as the Minor Threat Discography. Which I'm sure you already own. Fans of Minor Threat will be pleased to hear more of Ian's sarcastic laughing and the nod towards synth-pop in End of a Year. "How did I find myself standing in that place? We had done so much / And now I find myself standing in this place again. We can do so much more" - the words that resound for anyone standing at a wet bus-stop while listening to Embrace.
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