Furthering the band's evolution away from a heavy metal clamor towards a cleaner, modern rock sound,
Embodyment's
Songs for The Living makes a convincing pitch for mainstream success. Guitarist Andrew Godwin's six-string work dominates the material, laying the groundwork for Sean Corbray's soaring vocals. The band's Christian leanings are only hinted at in these songs; the obtuse lyrics instead exploring the many facets of romance and human relationships. "Reaching Out" sounds a little like
R.E.M., even as it reasserts a grab at faith, while "She's There" revisits the memory of a lost love with Wall-of-Sound instrumentation and powerful vocals. A red-hot riff and recurring rhythm sends "Segue Station" into the stratosphere, glimpses of lyrics passing by underneath a shimmering melody and sonic overkill. Altogether radio-friendly and ready for the major leagues,
Embodyment discarded a large part of its past in favor of a brighter future with the slickly-produced, chart-rock of
Songs for The Living. Although the band has done little to distinguish itself from, say, Creed and its many doppelgangers, ten years down the road finds
Embodyment still reaching for the stars, adding various disparate elements to their sound, and seeing what works. ~ Rev. Keith A. Gordon