EMBRACE play HOB/Anaheim Jun 1 and Fonda Jun 2
UK band Embrace is playing in Southern California starting with a show at the House of Blues of Anaheim on June 1, followed by a show at the Fonda on June 2.
Coming out of West Yorkshire, Embrace is known for their soaring rock anthems, often earning them comparisons to U2, Oasis and the Verve; however, their mix of sweeping melodies, emotionally-raw lyrics, and a healthy dose of rock snarl is all their own.
The songwriting core of the group consists of brothers and founders, Danny (lead vocals, guitar) and Richard McNamara (guitar). After rounding out the band by placing a newspaper ad, they saw instant success with their debut, The Good Will Out (1998). After a lengthy seven-year hiatus, Embrace returned with 2014’s, Embrace, which the group sees as a return to the pinnacle of their talents.
Concert Guide Live caught up with keyboardist Mickey Dale, who joined the group in 1998, and Danny McNamara to find out how it feels to be back, and what they love about touring in the US.
CGL: You guys have been on a touring hiatus for a while now. How are you feeling about hitting the road again?
MD: We played three UK tours last year – February, May and November/December. The end of year tour was our happiest ever tour. I think the last album added a new and darker dimension to the back catalogue, which has really added some drama to the live set list. Since then we’ve been busy working in the studio, and we’re all very happy with how things are sounding. Something has happened in that band that is very positive. We have no idea what! But the ideas are flowing freely at the moment.
CGL: There are some festivals coming up in your touring schedule (The Secret Festival, Indiependence Music & Arts Festival, Kendal Calling). How does a festival performance vary from a more traditional performance for you?
MD: The festival set list is usually more loaded with the singles. It would be arrogant to play a festival and throw in a bunch of new songs. A festival is a great way of reaching new people, so we try to hook them in with something they might have heard before, and hopefully they go away thinking, “I never realized that I know so many Embrace songs!”
CGL: What are some of the differences between the UK crowds and the American crowds?
MD: I don’t think we have noticed much of a difference really. The few times we’ve been out to play America – SXSW, a tour on our own and also one with Snow Patrol, we were struck how warm and receptive the audiences were. And as soon as a new US tour looked like it was on the agenda for 2015, we were all like giddy children.
CGL: You guys are known for your anthem-like sound, which makes for a great live show. What are some of your favorite tracks to play?
MD: From the earlier albums, Ashes, All You Good Good People, and One Big Family – from the newer record, Quarters is awesome fun to play and always has the crowd going crazy. It’s very intense, dark and has its roots in dance music.
CGL: Your latest album, Embrace (as well as the lengthy hiatus that preceded it), has often been explained as an attempt to create something that matches the quality of your debut. How will this same philosophy manifest itself in your live shows?
MD: We’re a much better live band now than when we started!
CGL: You’ve toured the US before. What do you like about playing in Southern California?
MD: We’re from the north of England! The sunshine is something that we wish we could take home with us. Given the opportunity, I could happily live in California!
CGL: Certain songs off of the new album (“At Once,” “In the End,” “I Run”) are very personal and emotionally raw. Is songwriting a therapeutic outlet for you, or something you only do when it’s time to record an album?
DM: I write lyrics and I write stories. It’s cathartic for me because I find it hard to make meaningful connections in the other more normal ways that most people get by on. If ideas flow it feels like the most amazing feeling in the world but if they don’t I get incredibly frustrated. Fortunately at the moment things are pouring out.
CGL: How does the brotherly relationship of Danny and Richard come into play with the dynamic of the band?
MD: It means that the whole band, and also our crew feel like a big and happy family. Generally, we all really enjoy each other’s company and issues are both rare and quickly resolved, usually with a good deal of humor.
CGL: What kind of show can fans look forward to seeing on this particular tour?
MD: Well, we’re very excited to be coming back to America! That excitement is bound to be apparent during the shows. The best gigs for us are the ones where the crowds feel very involved, so we’ll be making sure that everyone is having a properly good time. We’ve missed the States, and we want this tour to go great so that we might be invited back very soon.
CGL: What are some of your road essentials?
MD: Well, compared to the UK, a US tour has some mammoth long drives, so a good selection of films of various types ranging from Anchorman style easy-going stuff to something more heavy duty; a few good books and as much of my record collection as I can carry. I hate being in the middle of nowhere and then craving a certain song or album and not having it within reach. Some factor 30 sun cream, my Super 8 cine camera and a bag of film, cold beers in fridge… we’re living the dream!