As a long-time NME/Melody Maker-obsessive, I eagerly awaited Embrace’s U.S. debut after reading about their boasts over the last year about being the best band in Britain and “better than Oasis.” Well sorry to say, Embrace are not better than Oasis. Lead singer Danny McNamara’s voice lacks the sneer and swagger of Liam Gallagher and the songs don’t quite possess the instant hooks, of which Noel Gallagher is a master. That being said this is still a pretty good album of middle-of-the-road Britpop, with a couple of standout tracks, such as the sentimental “Fireworks” (complete with Beatlesque string quartet) and rocker “The Last Gas.” Given the promise they do show, their next album should be more satisfying.