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Embrace and Starsailor at the Imperial Theatre

Embrace at the Imperial Theatre, Vancouver, June 5 2015. Quinn Aebi photo.

Embrace at the Imperial Theatre, Vancouver, June 5 2015. Quinn Aebi photo.

Review and photos - Embrace and Starsailor at the Imperial Theatre, Vancouver, June 5 2015

  • review and photos by Quinn Aebi

Veteran Britpop bands Embrace and Starsailor brought their current North American tour to Vancouver’s Imperial on Friday night.

Starsailor opened. After an extended hiatus that lasted until just last year, the group was greeted by loyal fans. Lead singer and guitarist James Walsh interacted with the eager audience members, who were excited to shout out the titles of their favourite tracks. An unreleased tune called “Give Up The Ghost” showcased Walsh’s immense singing ability.

Upon taking the stage, headliners Embrace immediately asked everyone to come closer and fill the pit. Frontman Danny McNamara worked with the crowd’s energy, urging fans to sing and dance along. Using the stage to full advantage, he was never in one spot for more than a minute. His brother, guitarist Richard McNamara, shone on the song, “Refugee”, where he delivered a vocal performance rivalling his brother’s. Their chemistry as they played off of each other and joked around with one another was obvious.

The McNamara brothers have been releasing records with the rest of Embrace since 1998’s The Good Will Out, while Starsailor released its debut, Love is Here, in 2001. The two bands go way back, the latter’s Walsh said at one point. And both he and Danny McNamara mentioned how a tour bus break-down in San Francisco almost led both bands to miss the Vancouver show.

More Starsailor at the Imperial Theatre photos:

More Embrace at the Imperial Theatre photos:

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