Emery - In Shallow Seas We Sail
by Dan MacIntosh
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Few bands sing more painfully and honestly about sin and its consequences than Emery. It'll make you cringe when they state, "Separate ourselves from everyone we know," during "Inside Our Skin". This separation is entirely necessary, however, because of crippling shame more than likely due to sexual sin. Emery's new track is akin to a modernization of that old country song, "Dark End of the Street." Like the pair in that classic honky-tonk tune, this couple cannot be seen by anybody they know -- for fear that their secret will be revealed, or at least reprimanded. But guilt can sometimes be a good thing, you know -- especially if it brings about positive change. Later, the line, "Wisdom light my way into the dark" offers a plea for help, spiritual help. (Oh, did I mention Emery is also a Christian band? If you think all Christian bands only sing about God, angels, streets of gold and meal-making manna recipes, you've got another thing coming with Emery. This CD focuses much more on the work of the other guy you know, Satan instead).
Emery also does a better job than most alternative rock acts with combining harsh rock and sweet melodies. For instance, the oddly titled "Churches and Serial Killers" begins with a brief string part. But even such instrumental prettiness never stops the band from still being scarily honest. Take this lyrical tidbit, for example: "There is a part of me that always sees the easy way out/If it doesn't hurt, then not another word."
Lust is an eternal battle for every man that's ever sincerely attempted to live the Christian life. We laugh at Jimmy Carter for admitting back in the '70s to lusting in his heart in a Playboy interview. But, truth be told, every pastor, deacon, and worship leader if he is honest with himself would confess to the same struggle. During the bluntly named "A Sin to Hold on To" Emery tells us: "If you've got the time/Then I've got the reason for the sin." Ain't this a whole lot darker than, say, "If you've go the money/Then I've got the time"?
There's more than just moralistic self-reflection going on with
In Shallow Seas We Sail, by the way. The disc closes with a song called "Dear Death Part 2", which grapples with impending death of a friend. Amazingly, these dire circumstances still bring out poetry in the band. "As the cancer dances through her and takes a bow."
Emery sails rarely charted waters, so only travel the shallow seas along with them if you dare.
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