Many bands do not change as much throughout their entire career as Embodyment does with each new album release. Starting as a hardcore band on Solid State records, Embodyment has found its way into the circles of a more classic form of straight rock n' roll on their fourth release (their first on XS Records), Songs for the Living.

While most of their other albums have relied on heavy guitar tones and/or screaming vocals to convey the energy of their music, Embodyment tries something completely new on this album by writing catchy pop/rock songs. Songs like the opener "Reaching out" and "Time" are characteristic of the record's up-tempo feel. "It's Alright," however, is a song that totally displays Embodyment's diversity with it's subdued verses and loud choruses. Overall, the album highlight is "Don't Go," a song about holding on to a love that is leaving. Lyrically, as with all of Embodyment's records, God is not the dominating subject matter directly. The only major disagreement that I have with this record is some of the track choices. While most of the songs on Songs for the Living are extremely high quality, these tracks only make the mediocre ones stand out more.

Overall, Songs for the Living is a very solid release that takes Embodyment in incredible new directions, including great vocals and melodies that will be stuck in your head for weeks to come.

- Review date: 3/27/03, written by Andy Kelly for Jesusfreakhideout.com