Spinning Back to 2000 with Embrace’s Drawn From Memory Vinyl

A late-’90s Brit-pop album that’s finally back on vinyl, glossy on the surface but not without its quirks

So, here’s the scoop: Embrace’s Drawn From Memory is a post-Brit-pop slice of sincerity that somehow didn’t make the U.S. rounds in its heyday. The 2020 vinyl reissue from Craft Recordings finally fills that gap, wrapped in a slick gatefold with artwork that still stands out. But if you’re tempted to dive in, there’s a handful of things worth knowing upfront.

First off, packaging looks sharp at 12.36” square with a moody, artful gatefold featuring evocative band photos and lyric scribbles. Unfortunately, the inner sleeve is disappointingly fragile—think wafer-thin and prone to crumpling the moment you touch it. Also, certain pressings suffer from noticeably off-center grooves, leading to distortion in parts of tracks like “Hooligan.” If you’re the type to baby your records, swapping that flimsy sleeve out for a sturdier one makes sense here.

On to sound — the album’s musical moments heave with emotive brass and clarinet flourishes layered on top of the usual late-’90s Brit-pop setup. The opening track packs a slow-build wah-wah guitar swell that a fan of mid-tempo drama might dig. But here’s the catch: you’ll hear occasional surface noise and subtle crackles—not a deal-breaker, but it disrupts the flow enough to be noticeable. The mastering leans toward warmth, which boosts the horn sections but at times blurs the drum clarity.

When it comes to individual tracks, there’s a mix of highlights and things that trigger head-scratching. The title cut’s piano and clarinet combo have a lovely feel, if you can overlook a minor needle skip. “Hooligan” is bold and unpolished — kazoo and unexpected whistling included — a quirky detour that might divide listeners. Meanwhile, some instrumentals and mid-album rockers press forward with solid energy but don’t always stick around long enough to make a lasting impression.

Here’s the bottom line: if you’re an audiophile chasing pristine sound or flawless pressing quality, look elsewhere. This release will test your patience with its occasional off-center presses and surface noise. But if you’re after a vinyl that captures a certain raw late-’90s Brit-pop charm with orchestral touches, this is decent enough, imperfections included. The album’s more about mood and earnestness than technical perfection, which will appeal to those into that era’s emotional songwriting.

In short, Drawn From Memory on vinyl is a package that impresses visually and resonates emotionally—when the grooves cooperate. Just plan on handling it carefully and accepting some sonic blemishes as part of the vintage ride. For fans of Embrace or the post-Brit-pop wave, it’s a worthwhile find, while serious collectors wanting needle-drop perfection will want to hunt down alternate pressings or imports.

So, ready to drop the needle? Don’t expect flawless playback, but if you’re chasing that specific vibe from a once-overlooked Brit-pop gem, this pressing can definitely spin its tale.