Photo Credit: Riot Frames

As they prepare for the release of their ninth album ‘Avalanche’, West Yorkshire band Embrace embarked on a short run of intimate album launch shows across the UK. A short journey to Barnsley served as the closest of their shows just a matter of days before their triumphant hometown sold out performance at The Piece Hall.

The working men’s club turned venue has hosted many names over the years, including those from the same era such as Ocean Colour Scene and Cast, so it was no stranger to host a band of such stature. With no support on the line-up, it was all eyes on Embrace from the get go. As the 5-piece stepped out on stage to a roaring Barnsley crowd. As ‘Avalanche’ was on the horizon, the band ensured to give the crowd a taste of something new to start off with. Opening with their second single from the record ‘Stop’, its earlier release gave the fans the opportunity to dive right in. In typical Embrace fashion, frontman Danny McNamara stood with his arms raised high as he belted out the lyrics, matched by those down in front of him. The more upbeat ‘Road to Nowhere’ picked up the pace, a track that echoes the sound of the band’s earlier days but with a modern twist and quickly becoming a fan favourite. ‘Up In Your Feelings’ then followed, concluding the trio of singles from the record before four further tracks were churned out for the first time of listening for those in attendance. 

Before that, Danny promoted the band’s merch line as he twirled around to show off the t-shirt design as well as lanyards to urge everyone to help them in the chart and take down Olivia Rodrigo. The set continued with ‘Get Out of My Way’, the emotional and personal ‘Emily’ as well as ‘Coming Home’ and finally ‘Pure-O’ before heading into more familiar territory of throwback hits. Richard takes control of ‘Refugees’, the band’s returning single from their hiatus over a decade ago and remains a set list staple to this day. ‘Gravity’ and ‘Ashes’ set up the grand finale of ‘All You Good Good People’, with the final trio, as expected, getting the loudest reception of the entire night equally. ‘Ashes’ had the whole place bouncing, while ‘All You Good Good People’ really showed that after thirty years, these songs just do not age as Embrace continue to impress each year, with each record and every show, no matter the size or setting.

Photo Credit: Riot Frames