After releasing some of my favorite songs to date, such as "The Party Song," and "Rock-N-Rule," I did not think that Emery would top their 2007 full length, I'm Only a Man. I was wrong. In fact, ...In Shallow Seas We Sail includes some of their best music to date. Produced by Aaron Sprinkle and released on Tooth & Nail Records, Emery's thirteen-track album leaves the synthesizers in the studio, focusing on a glorious return to their heavy roots.
Prior to their June 2, 2009 release, Emery was fighting for their own unique sound. Their albums' consisted of two themes; standard spiritual themes and transparent post-rock. ...In Shallow Seas We Sail proved to their audience that Emery was prevalent once again with their seamless sound. They were able to unite the post-hardcore screams with beautiful cleans in a way that brings their fans to nothing short of amazement. Released less than one year later than their 2008 EP While Broken Hearts Prevail, ...In Shallow Seas We Sail allows for some progressive melodic moments to flaunt, and emphasize their hardcore foundation. The result is magnificent.
Many of us heard their first single, "Cutthroat Collapse" on their MySpace as a digital download in early April. At the time, I was not sold. I thought that it was a decent post-hardcore track that lacked flow. After listening to the album, I really decided that this was a perfect intro track. My favorite aspect of "Cutthroat Collapse" is the dual vocals headed by Toby Morell. It elicited a raw side of his vocal range we haven't seen before. This is one of the albums that needs to be listened straight through to absorb it's musicianship. It quickly becomes apparent that Emery has returned to their roots while combining their softer sound seen on their last few albums. Both their instrumental and vocal success on this album allows for ...In Shallow Seas We Sail to be Emery's most mature album to date.
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