Copeland - You Are My Sunshine [CD]

Tooth & Nail

October 8, 2008, 07:08 PM

Florida based pop band Copeland are back with their newest release You Are My Sunshine having collaborated with a host of brilliant producers to create a beautiful soundscape that can’t help but chill you out.

My first thought upon hearing opening track ‘Should You Return’is that the vocals have a very Imogen Heap quality, with the quirky, ‘is it or isn’t it’ electronic feel to the mass of harmonies that begin this song. Not necessarily a bad thing, as it sounds very beautiful and compliments many of the songs, but it is no new thing. In fact much of this album has a strong electronic feel to it, with what sounds like a drum machine and synth bass in songs such as ‘The Day I Lost My Voice (The Suitcase Song)’ and ‘Not Allowed’

The slick production of this album certainly helps it aurally. The stunning orchestral arrangements that pad out certain areas give Copeland an epic sound you can imagine seeing in arenas. They have experimented with a whole range of sounds and instruments, making use of traditional classical instruments such as a clarinet in the song ‘What Do I Know’ (although experimental, I think this sounds a little odd) through to robotic sounds which feature in the last 10 minute long epic masterpiece ‘Not So Tough Found Out’.

Frontman Aaron Marsh’s haunting vocal sails over this massive instrumental sound and the Imogen Heap-esque harmonies I mentioned before really do draw you in at times. However after the 5th song I disappointingly begin to find myself getting a little bored as they all begin to blend into one another, and despite there being some beautiful melodies, I didn’t find them very catchy and doubt I’ll be humming them later.

However, all in all this album isn’t bad, with big single songs such as ‘The Grey Man’ and ‘Good Morning Fire Eater’ standing out and interesting production skills keeping you wondering what’ll come out next!