Embrace The City - 'Someone Else's Truth' CD -
Reviewed by Martin Stapleton
During a recent level 2 gig, I was given a copy of "Someone Else's Truth" by Embrace The City. A Toddington / Harlington band, they comprise Else Robinson (vocals), Martin Edgson (guitar), Jonny Murray (guitar), Leon Denton (bass) and Martin Stanford (drums). Having seen this band put in a lively performance on level 2 last year, I was curious to see how they would carry on to disc. Hmmmm! Unfortunately, it has to be stated just how DIY this album is. Recorded at Greenbanks Studio, Luton, it is both produced and mixed by Martin of the band. Perhaps cutting corners, but the resultant sound is rather disappointing. It's a shame with all the effort that the band as a whole put into the overall package. Else designs the cover artwork, which I like.
Listening to this album, I did originally think it was going to be consigned to the tea coaster set! That was until "Track Six" turned up, much like the proverbial oasis in the desert. The synthesized wizardry takes over completely, even enhancing the marvellous distorted vocals it produces. Clocking in at just over five minutes, this song is so uterly different from everything else that they offer us. The glacial electronic melody is not only accomplished, but very artful in it's conception. The accompanying songs are well written, but sadly suffer from the sound reproduction. Well below par! It is, I feel, akin to listening to an old cassette tape that is in urgent need of a cotton bud and a dab of alcohol (remember those days?).
An excellent guitar intro to "Life in my Hands" gains so much from the shout out chorus of "Gotta get out, gotta get out". "I'm sure she Never" is fast and punky, but sadly the vocals are drowned out. "Lost Your Mind" is boosted by a marrying of the vocals which works well. "Still Here" and "Send me Home" are both standards, but hey, then along comes "Track Six"!