Embrace-Fireworks DVD

Spanning five years and 14 separate videos, Fireworks sees Embrace grow from a bunch of hungry Northern indie lads with Oasis in their sights to something truly original and emotionally affecting. They started ambitiously, of course, with the epic "All You Good Good People" and three separate videos for the song are included here. The original Fierce Panda promo finds the lads looking moody in beautifully tracked black and white (a style that suits their slow burning widescreen angst and one they return to several times); the Hut video polishes up the sound immensely;... and the American promo puts singer Danny McNamara on death row, with the final chorus being delivered from the electric chair. Elsewhere, theres a lot of classily shot performance that will please the devotees ("Higher Sights" live at Abbey Road is particularly fine) and intriguing storyboard ideas for the casual observer. "Youre Not Alone" places the band on a tightrope above a waterfall and "I Wouldnt Wanna Happen To You" finds Danny buried up to his neck on a beach while his compadres cavort in the distance. For a band that has a reputation for being a little too earnest for their own good, this is a warm-hearted collection with a twinkle in its eye. On the DVD: this DVD version of Fireworks contains the bare minimum. You can choose either to play the 14 videos individually or one after another, and thats about it. There are also credits for each promo. All audio tracks are in stereo and the picture ratio is 4:3. A slim insert repeats the promo credits and is illustrated by a panel of 14 black-and-white photographs. --Ian Watson [show more]

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