Record Exchange Boise

Reviews:

In a pop/rock framework there are only so many ways with which to say "I love you," only so many ways with which to melodically enhance the phrase. (And no, gurgling "I did it for the nookie!" against a pulverizing backdrop ain't one of 'em). Yet some bands do meet the challenge of finding new twists on old clichase in point: Atlanta quartet Copeland, who on their second long player manage to work "love" into three (of ten) song titles and into the lyrics of four other tunes even as it comes up with bonus metaphors for the word ("a fight between my heart and mind" is memorable). Yet Copeland, by backing up that simple sentiment with sweeping sonics, ultimately brings a tingle to your spine and makes you blush like an adolescent.

Key tracks include "No One Really Wins" and "Pin Your Wings," both intergenerational marriages of the Beatles, Cheap Trick and latter-day Get Up Kids; the baroque-with falsetto courtesy of Aaron Marsh-"Kite," which is like a grand Queen piano ballad; and "Don't Slow Down," whose power-pop guitars, lush vocal harmonies and subtle keyboards lining the arrangement bring to mind a symphonic take on the Raspberries. Copeland's still young, but in these full-bodied songs one hears the stirrings of mature, classic songcraft.