Adrian Emberley

“The band was definitely the surprise of the evening, their songs and arrangements revolving around Emberley’s hook-laden, occasionally eccentric singer/songwriting a la Regina Spektor. To an unassuming bystander, the set was a sort of transient glimpse into a world of prolific, schooled musicians at an age when ideas flow forth in avalanches.” - Adam Arrigo, Northeast Performer

Fresh out of the halls of the renowned Berklee College of Music, Boston’s Adrian Emberley is poised to make a huge mark in the Singer/Songwriter world with her debut EP, Love. For a woman of only 23 years, Emberley writes with a level of sophistication that one would expect from a more seasoned artist. This aptitude for creativity is likely a result of being raised by a family of artist that includes her grandfather, Caldecott Medal winning children’s author Ed Emberley (Drummer Hoff, Go Away, Big Green Monster!). Her songwriting is clever and her lyrics have a transcendent quality that truly connects with the listener in a personal way. Despite her mastery of song forms and musical techniques there’s an indisputable realism to her music that is tragically lacking in these days of sanitary sounds and predictable lyrics.

The Adrian Emberley Band is also a product of the Berklee machine and each member brings the level of talent that one would expect from such a well-respected institution. Michael Dylan (Michael Dylan and the Sleepwalkers) assists Emberley on guitar and bass and even shares the vocal spotlight on the chilling ballad “Unseen Love”. Cellist Calin Peters (The Young Republic) bows in sounds that are sometimes lighthearted and at other times affecting. Peters’ voice also provides the background harmonies throughout the album. Drummer Daniel Roman's (Izze Creo) eccentric jazzy style provides a backdrop of beats and fills that seem to perfectly accent the most dramatic moments of Emberley’s music.

Love begins with the light and whimsical “For Me” which feels a bit like a warm spring day. The title track “Love” is moving and almost seems perfect for the closing credits of a romantic film. This is followed by the bouncing 6/8 narrative “The City”. The heavy hits and dark harmonies of tracks like “We Don’t Live Here Anymore” and “So Good Today” showcase Emberley’s skills as both a writer an arranger. The more subtle tracks like “This Story” and “Unseen Love” are intimate and heartfelt. Despite the often-emotive subject matter there’s also a pop-friendly catchiness to the choruses and hooks. Each song tops out at less than three minutes, leaving the listener almost aching for just a bit more. From song to song, Adrian is able to touch on the truest of human emotions in a completely unpretentious way. Adding to this authenticity is the album’s production. It was primarily recorded live to 2” tape and there is almost no use of effects. The end result plays much like a private show from some amazingly talented musicians. All of these factors will certainly ensure that fans will want to listen to Love again and again.