It seems that everyone loves Copeland these days. I have a friend who listens to almost all metal, yet still has a soft spot for the pop-rock bliss of these four young gentlemen from Florida. I have another friend who listens to corporate rock bands like Nickelback that likes to show off his "sensitive" side by cranking up the Copeland. I don't think I'll ever come across anyone who might say, "You know, that Copeland band puts out some awful music. They are probably the worst band I've ever heard." Heck, I bet my Mom would really enjoy any of the songs these guys have written.
Anyways, Copeland's sophomore full-length In Motion finds indie rocks' favorite pretty boys attempting to follow up 2003's lush debut Beneath Medicine Tree. That album was one of my most listened to albums of the last couple years. Sure, it came close to falling into some emo cliche's from time to time, but the sincerity of the vocals and strength of the songwriting kept me coming back for more. Needless to say, it has been tough for me to judge In Motion without constantly comparing it to Beneath Medicine Tree.
You're probably asking yourself by now when I'm going to get to the part where I actually review In Motion. Well, reader, I like the album. In Motion is definitely not the dreaded sophomore slump. What this album has is ten songs that show musical growth, yet retain that definite Copeland vibe. Copeland is the type of band that certainly is not doing anything new in the music scene; however, what they do is write great pop songs, and this they do very, very well. There is certainly a bit more musical variety on In Motion than Beneath Medicine Tree had. When I first heard the opening riff of "Love is a Fast Song," I was taken a back by the hint of aggression, a trait that Copeland is not known for, that I was hearing. There are also some piano ballads ("Sleep," "Kite), some catchy rockers (Pin Your Wings, You Have my Attention) and the standard acoustic closer (Hold Nothing Back).
Overall, there is little not to love about this album. A couple songs, notably "You Love to Sing" and "Choose the One Who Loves You More" might be a bit boring, but the strength of great tracks like "You Have my Attention" and Pin Your Wings" more than make up for it. Also, if you have recently suffered a painful breakup or have no interest in romance, In Motion might be an album to avoid. You would be hard pressed to find an album with the words "heart" and "love" appearing more often. Seriously, you could put any one of these tracks on a mix tape for your romantic interest.
Despite the fact that this album will be adored by the same people who buy Good Charlotte records, I still believe that this is a sincere and well-rounded effort. In Motion will likely be a huge album for Copeland, and they deserve it. Personally, I don't feel that In Motion quite reaches the same level of their previous record, but it is very good record that will likely become a favorite album for many.
3.5/4
Other coverage for this album
HM Magazine #114Reviewed by The Kern County KidMinimalism never sounded so good. Kindly kick the Shins, Shivs, and Strokes out on their backsides, and tell Brian Wilson that someone else “gets it.” Ratings – Doug Van Pelt 3.5/5, The Kern County Kid 4.5/5Decapolis May 2005Reviewed by Phil NicholsGirls like Copeland. It must be some sort of internal, congenital mechanism within the female mind, but from my (admittedly limited) research, I have found that most girls involuntarily shriek with delight or swoon at the sound of Aaron Marsh's whimsical crooning. This was my initial reasoning for looking into Copeland's music. I figured that if (a) Girls like Copeland and (b) I like Copeland,…The Phantom Tollbooth 2005Reviewed by Trae CadenheadUndoubtedly, Copeland's sophomore full length In Motion is one of the most anticipated albums for indie music lovers this year. The band burst onto the scene in 2003 with the deliciously pure and adhesive (meaning it sticks) Beneath Medicine Tree. Now with In Motion, Copeland shows that they have no fear of taking some risks and doing something different. In Motion isn't all that different from…Similar sounding releases
2004Something Like SilasDivine Invitation
2003Sleeping at LastGhosts
2004Straylight RunStraylight Run
2004Matt RedmanFacedown
2001Remy ZeroThe Golden Hum
1999Chasing FuriesWith Abandon
