No one could accuse Embrace of being work-shy but even they were shocked at the sheer trauma involved in creating their latest album.

The band spent three months in the studio with producer Youth making the expressive and emotive Out Of Nothing -- and it was, says Danny McNamara, "a nightmare".

But it doesn't take a genius to work out that it worked.

Youth became a key part of the Embrace story when he produced early singles All You Good Good People and Come Back To What You Know, from their Number One debut album The Good Will Out. Since the debut, the band produced themselves.

But Youth's involvement in this, the fourth album, seems to have paid off though -- and it would have been worth good money to have witnessed what went on in that recording studio.

"I'm a bit of a control freak." says Danny.

"January, February and March this year were the hardest time of my life. I was getting four hours' sleep a night. It was really intense."

He was made to change lyrics that he'd been poring over for three years. He was brutal to the ballads and was told to sing louder, quieter, and with more passion. But it works.

The album is a triumph and is among the most dynamic pieces of work the band have produced.

As well as buying a copy of the album on its release on September 13, Oxford music lovers will have a chance to hear the results when the band play the Zodiac on Wednesday.

And it is set to be well worth the £14 ticket price.

This is a cosy warm-up gig for a tour of large venues. The band have already sold out Shepherd's Bush Empire and played a shimmering set at last weekend's V Fest, so expect tickets to fly.

Check out Someday -- which Danny had started to write eight years ago, the same week as Come Back To What You Know, epic new tune Ashes, and Gravity, which was written by Coldplay's Chris Martin.

Call the Zodiac box office on 01865 420 042