We Do What We Want

Writing

Emery was in the process of working on more stripped-down acoustic album when guitarist/vocalist Devin Shelton decided to take an indefinite leave of absence from the group. After his departure, the remaining four members made the conscious decision to write a heavier and more hardcore album than they had done in the past. Commenting on the band's evolved sound, bassist/vocalist Toby Morrell said, "I don't think we ever thought we'd get as heavy as we are now, but I'm glad we have." Though Shelton was not an active member of Emery during the writing process for We Do What We Want, he wrote the final track on the standard edition titled "Fix Me," and the song "Crumbling" from the deluxe edition.

Lyrics

Regarding the album's lyrical themes, vocalist Toby Morrell stated:

Release and promotion

In the month of March 2011, an MP3 for the song "Scissors" was divided into seven sections. For seven consecutive days, one new piece of the song was revealed through a different online media outlet. The band would give a clue as to where the next clip would be released on their Facebook page, and fans were encouraged to collect all of the parts and put the song back together. Also prior to the release of We Do What We Want, Emery previewed "The Cheval Glass," "I Never Got to See the West Coast" and "The Curse of Perfect Days."

We Do What We Want was released on March 29, 2011 through Tooth & Nail Records, and it is also Emery's first album co-released by Tooth & Nail's heavy metal/hardcore punk subdivision Solid State Records. Vocalist Toby Morell has said that he was "proud" of the signing to Solid State, and also described it as "just kind of a good feeling to be wanted by another part of your company and be able to join all the awesome bands."

Track listing

All songs composed by Emery, except "Fix Me" composed by Devin Shelton.

Deluxe edition

11. "Crumbling" – 4:12
12. "The Curse of Perfect Days" (acoustic) – 4:22

Personnel

Emery

Production