Sam's Record Collection #4

1. Embrace- Embrace

This album was the first real emo release ever. There I said it. This band started what “Emo” is today and, in my opinion, it isn’t just a simple formula. Real emo is manic, emotionally driven and raw- what describes that more than most? Hardcore. Yes, emo that you hear today originated from hardcore. Hardcore is music that centred around reflection and is a journey of emotions- it's a response to real life and this has been reflected perfectly through Embrace's self-titled album. I bought this record from a Hardcore merch Facebook page. It's a standard black issue and nothing rare or special and that's unfortunately because they never expanded on their physical releases.

Ian Mckaye started this short-lived hardcore band in the summer of 1985 and it ended shortly after in the spring of 1986. Embrace were one of the bands that were a part of the 'Revolution Summer Movement', a movement against violence at gigs and sexism in the music scene. Other bands also involved were Dag Nasty and Rites of Spring. Embrace were classed as one of the first bands to be “Emotional Hardcore”, however, Mckaye (the frontman) strongly disagreed with this label and said this on stage: "I must say one thing. I must say emocore must be the stupidest fucking thing I've ever heard in my entire life. But just in case you are wondering, I read in my Thrasher the other day, that in fact, what my band, along with other bands, in this city are playing is emocore...Emotional hardcore?? As if hardcore wasn't emotional to begin with. Anyway, it's caca. I hate to say it but you can only hold your silence for too long about this stupid shit."

So, despite Mckaye disagreeing with the label, the band accidentally created a successful subgenre. The album itself is not your average hardcore record; it doesn’t rise in musical tension or even challenge itself musically. However, what builds the album is the vocals which ooze emotive lyrics which describe the hurt felt by the vocalist, a hurt from everyday life. The album touches on themes related to standing up to the bad parts of life and making a change and its this attitude which makes it one of my favourite hardcore (or emo) albums of all time.

For me, this album is special. It's empowering and has a legacy behind it, the album speaks for itself. If you get the chance, listen to this album and just take the time to listen to the lyrics. They’re incredibly relevant today, in 2018, more than they ever will be.

Favourite track- No More Pain

By Sam Hennerley