Embracism is an album of extreme polarity. Thematically, it can be incongruous at times, as if the songs were forged from a mutation of dualistic elements; a plane in which aggression, machismo and sexual ambiguity exist as one.
Glossy dance production, courtesy of Kim Moyes of Presets, sits in contrast to the affected ‘ocker’ vocals of Callinan. In theory these elements should not co-exist, but Embracism is not your average record. Opener Halo journeys into synth-pop territory whilst title track Embracism is a reflection on masculinity and the physical, the manly sub bass/synth combination acting like a call to arms for men. In contrast Victoria M is straight-laced pop. Its silky strings augment the cheesy ’80s feel, making this catchy ballad an album highlight. Scraps is a tinkering, chimey escapade of regret; it’s lyric of “I don’t regret what I have done/You broke me, so I broke you back” could just as easily be about a girl, boy or an automobile. Stretch It Out continues the corporal theme like a deranged version of Olivia Newton John’s Physical, whilst Way II War, with its sinister accompanying clip, is a challenging opus of grim synth lines and distorted, repetitive vocals.
Way II War is the albums tour de force; the line “nobody knows” sits uncomfortably beneath a veil of industrial bleeps and guitar feedback, repeating over and over as if changing meaning with each utterance. Embracism shows Kirin J Callinan exploring the dualism of masculine identity, in a framework uniquely his own.
BY CASSANDRA KIELY
Best Track: Way II War
If You Like These, You’ll Like This: She EP KIRIN J CALLINAN
In A Word: Unveiling
