Embrace - Live Review

Embrace Illuminate Oxford's O2 Academy with 'Out of Nothing' Anniversary Performance

Celebrating the 20th anniversary of their seminal album 'Out of Nothing', Embrace delivered a heartfelt and nostalgic performance at Oxford's O2 Academy. The evening was a testament to the band's enduring appeal and their ability to connect deeply with their audience.

Opening with the anthemic "All You Good Good People" and "Come Back to What You Know," Embrace set the tone for a night steeped in both nostalgia and renewed energy. The setlist was a carefully curated journey through their discography, featuring tracks like "Someday," "Looking As You Are," and "Wish 'Em All Away," each met with enthusiastic sing-alongs from the crowd.

Frontman Danny McNamara was in fine form, engaging the audience with his characteristic warmth and humor. Between songs, he shared anecdotes and light-hearted remarks, including a self-deprecating joke about his ongoing struggle with the harmonica, even after two decades. He also reminisced about "Nature's Law" being their highest-charting single, reaching number two in England and number one in Scotland, a testament to the song's widespread resonance.

A particularly poignant moment occurred before the performance of "Out of Nothing." McNamara invited the audience to illuminate the stage with their phone lights, creating a sea of twinkling stars that added a magical ambiance to the heartfelt rendition.

The band continued to showcase their versatility with tracks like "Refugees" and a collaborative performance of "Never" featuring EEVAH, adding a fresh dynamic to the set. Their rendition of "Gravity," a song gifted to them by Chris Martin of Coldplay, was a highlight, reminding fans of the band's knack for delivering emotionally charged performances.

Closing the main set with the rousing "Ashes," Embrace returned for an encore that included "Protection," "We Are It," and the emotive "The Good Will Out," leaving the audience in a state of euphoria.

Throughout the evening, Embrace demonstrated why they have remained a beloved fixture in the British music scene. Their ability to blend introspective lyrics with soaring melodies, coupled with genuine engagement with their fans, made for a memorable night that honored their past while looking forward to the future.

As part of their ongoing tour celebrating 'Out of Nothing,' Embrace continues to captivate audiences, reaffirming their status as enduring icons of British indie rock.

Tickets still available for remaining dates on tour, check here.