Emery - In Shallow Seas We Sail (2009)

Artist: Emery

Album: In Shallow Seas We Sail

Date Released: June 2, 2009

Genre: Emo/Post-hardcore

Album Review:

With a theatrical and lamentable sound, Emery stays true to their voice with In Shallow Seas We Sail. As their fourth album, Emery delivers a mix of alternative punk and hardcore that leaves one with a somewhat melancholy feeling. ISSWS passes the "driving test", providing a decent upbeat feeling without losing the heaviness of the lyrical content. As far as repetitiveness, it could simply be that I have less patience for metal, but I found this album to be endurable from start to end.

Lyrically, this album is heavily focused on relationships, more so than before, where there would be political and spiritual references. Topics cover lust, selfishness, and separation. You can count, however, on Emery providing original lyrical lines. Instead of red roses, you will find lines like "I chose every word that I knew would hurt but that was a poor choice at best" going through your mind after giving this album a listen. With both a strong and soft side, this album favors well for me, and I am sure it will for you as well.

Rating: 8 out of 10

Song-by-song: (unfortunately, I am not reviewing the hidden track Closed Eyes, Open Hands)

Cutthroat collapse: a strong introduction song, yelling TIME RUNS OUT...topically, this song seems to be about a breakup that someone was warned against.

Curbside Goodbye: a very un-uplifting song indeed, talking about someone's love leaving him by the curb, "red lights fading"...but done well.

Inside Our Skin: This song hits hard exposing the real selfishness within our lives. There are a few lines screamed in here as well. I enjoyed listening to this one....the first, second, third, and fourth time around :)

Churches and Serial Killers: Not sure what this one is about, perhaps capture by love of someone who is harmful? Either way, a nice synth layers the introduction, adding to that melancholy tone so characteristic of Emery.

Butcher's Mouth: I'm confident that this song is about vanity and pride overwhelming a person. The synth around the 2 minute mark is very nice, I like this song too.

In Shallow Seas We Sail: I'm not so hot on title tracks, but this one didn't let me down, it seemed to capture the album well. I think the album concept of rejected love of some sort is shown in this one song.

The Pour and the Prevalent: Lyrical genius in this song. In all these songs. Just observe for yourself.

The Smile, the Face: A strong introduction, which fits the length of this short song.

A Sin to Hold Onto: Lust again. And very vivid imagery. This is a powerful song in my opinion.

Piggy Bank Lies: a Norma Jean-esque intro, about cheap lies and another ruined relationship from cheating.

Edge of the World: A strong song indeed, and at this point the album quickly winds down in hopes for the SLOW SONGS...here they come, they're in every album...

Dear Death Part 1: Esta noche, sera mia. This night will be mine....a short slow song, but it goes into part 2...

Dear Death Part 2: I never enjoy songs about death, they make me tear up....but i'm a masochist, so I enjoy the tears. So yes, I love this song because it's about cancer taking over a loved one. a Bittersweet farewell. Farewell Emery, the next review awaits to be seen!!