The Question was moderately enjoyable; I’m Only A Man was thus far my favorite, so how will the newest album …In Shallow Seas We Sail, rank in my Emery scale?

From first listen, it’s already apparent that the band has gone back to the higher percentage of screamo influence in the music. “Cutthroat Collapse” and “Curbside Goodbye” both consist of pretty much entirely screaming. A few points the emotion packed vocals from Toby do shine through, but just as you get calmed down, you’re thrashed back into the harsher music. For a nice change of pace, the band takes a stab at some alternative rock in “Butcher’s Mouth.” The guitar is incredibly fast and almost pulses throughout the song. But it wouldn’t be Emery if there wasn’t at least a little screaming, this time however it’s pretty concentrated to a few moments near the end. This is a song that a head will easily find itself bobbing to. The title track “…In Shallow Seas We Sail” comes in all the way down at #6. It starts off very delicate, a soft guitar and gentle drums. There’s even a point when the vocals find themselves harmonizing. I personally enjoy the random appearance of an organ. As a title track, it’s unexpected but welcome. If you’re angry and need an easy release, then “The Smile, The Face” is the perfect song for you. Its 2:39 of violent intentions and heated themes, perfect to get any pent up hostility out. “A Sin To Hold Onto” starts off like a tease. With just some pleasant lyrics, strewn across a simple guitar riff, it’s almost like you’re listening to a completely different band. And then when you hear the lyrics: “maybe we can make a difference in somebody’s life” you really start to believe that these five guys might just have some good purpose to their music. That feeling never goes away and, for that, I commend Emery. “Edge Of The World” goes back to the alternative sound that we caught an inkling of a bit ago. Between the rock chords and vocals that border on choir-esque at times, this song remains very strong in all its elements. The fact that’s it’s about a girl, is pretty much just icing on the recently smashed guitar-shaped cake. “Dear Death Part 1” and “Dear Death Part 2” end off the album. “Part 1” is a rather beautiful song, with the combination of a piano and that lovely vocal guitar mix that we were already introduced to. It ends with chill-inducing strings and Toby’s magnificent voice singing a few lyrics in Spanish; Phantom [of the Opera] has some serious competition with this song. “Part 2” isn’t quite as dramatic and theatrical as the first part. It’s more of an abrupt awakening after the mellowed sounds in the last song. This has a quintessential punk energy that will literally having you jumping out of your bed. If “Part 1” was a poetic ending to someone’s life, then “Part 2” is more of a *%&#@ the world kind of send off.

I’m Only A Man still remains my favorite of the Emery albums. But …In Shallow has shown that this band has a lot more musicianship and creativity up their sleeves than I had originally assumed. If you’re a fan of The Question, this will be the next level in the Emery scale for you.

Review by: Rachel Fredrickson

Additional links:
- Emery on Myspace