MONDAY is the moment that Embrace fans have been waiting for - their heroes' latest album hits the shops.
The Brighouse group will have their fingers crossed for a chart entry at number one - just like their debut, The Good Will Out, back in 1997.
Their fourth studio album, Out Of Nothing, on the Independiente label, features the single Gravity, written by Chris Martin, of Coldplay.
It entered the charts at number seven after heavy radio airplay.
The group's enduring popularity is something of a feat in itself. Many indie rock groups who made it big in the mid-1990s have split after dwindling sales and interest.
Some feared that Embrace's greatest hits album, Fireworks, spelled the end of the road.
But Embrace, featuring brothers Richard and Danny McNamara, have staged a bombastic comeback.
Danny told the Examiner: "No matter how good you are, you can always do better. I hope people think we've delivered."
As well as the songs, the group are famed for their secret gigs - for which fans must follow cryptic, website-based clues to track down.
A recent one was at Bradley Wood Scout camp - which the lads undoubtedly visited as youngsters.
A tour starts this month, but there's also a chance to see them for free on Monday at HMV in Leeds, in Victoria Walk, off the Headrow.
They appear at 5.30pm, but as space is limited, fans must collect a wristband to gain entry from opening time.
Ashes - An excellent opening to the comeback, sung with real force by Danny. Reminiscent of the anthems that propelled the group into the charts back in 1997.
Gravity - The first single taken from the album written by Coldplay's Chris Martin. Already a favourite.
Someday - Bound to be a fans' favourite when the band takes to the road this autumn. A rousing singalong with a theme of better days to come.
Looking As You Are - First of the more gentle songs on the album. Takes a few listens, but soon gets under the skin.
Wish 'Em All Away - One of the weaker tracks. Danny's inspiration came from a visit to a hypnotherapist trying to help him cope with a minor heart condition.
Keeping - At best an album track. Seems out of place among a collection of excellently written and emotional songs.
Spell It Out - Simple, but beautifully effective. Embrace prove they are back on form.
A Glorious Day - An ode to a past lover and almost certainly a future single. One of the stand-out tracks on Out of Nothing.
Near Life - More offbeat, but it definitely works. Probably the best example of the influence of producer Youth on the band.
Out of Nothing - The best track on the album. This epic throbs and crunches to a spectacular finale. Up there with the best the band has ever done.
