Despite being called One Step Closer, it feels like the band took two steps back with their latest album, All Your Embrace. While it’s an album that shines in terms of production, the songwriting just doesn't hit the mark. What we get are pop-punk-inspired tracks with polished production, but the songs themselves come off as a bit forgettable, with only a few moments of interest here and there.

Technically speaking, All Your Embrace is a well-executed album. The vocals are crystal clear, and they’re layered effectively, creating a pleasant listening experience. The drums have a satisfying pop to them that makes the rhythm sections enjoyable, and there’s a good balance across the instruments—nothing ever feels overpowered or out of place. The guitar and bass work in harmony, supporting each other without clashing. The production team definitely did their job, and the album sounds clean and polished from start to finish. The boys in OSC certainly deserve credit for that aspect of the record.

However, where the band falters is in the songwriting. The songs feel lackluster, as if they were written without a lot of emotional investment or creativity. While some drum parts here and there might catch your attention, the rest of the instruments don’t offer much to get excited about. The guitars and bass just kind of fade into the background, and the vocals, while clear and technically solid, fail to elicit any real emotion or passion. Even the lyrics, which are decent, don't leave much of an impression as they’re paired with music that feels uninspired.

There’s something missing from the album, whether it's the spark of passion, the fire of excitement, or simply a stronger sense of direction in the songwriting. The music lacks that emotional depth that makes songs resonate. It's as if the band is going through the motions without fully investing in the spirit of the music. It’s not bad by any means, but it’s far from memorable. This is the kind of album you’ll play in the background but won’t find yourself coming back to. It’s a polished record with great technical aspects, but it just doesn’t have the substance to make it stand out in a meaningful way.

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