Grace Hotel
  Overall rating: ++++

Album Reviews

The long awaited follow-up to 2003’s Beneath Medicine Tree does everything but disappoint. Copeland didn’t try to reinvent themselves or get all arty to try to establish the fact that they are an important presence in modern music. Instead, leader Aaron Marsh and his three sidekicks endeavor to deliver 10 songs ‘that make people move.’ In Motion is the quintessential ‘love song’ recording, whereas the debut centered on sickness and heartache. This album is a breath of fresh air because it speaks for itself, and the musical landscape is both artistically rewarding and non-alienating.

“No One Really Wins” is a rollicking assault flared with swauve and urgency. Jonathan Bucklew from Denison Marrs has overtaken drum duties, and gives each track a very danceable and charming foundation. Ken Andrews did a noteworthy job on the mix. His allowance between creating thick and spacious airs give Copeland a dynamic that was absent from BMT. “Choose The One Who Loves You More” is infectious and gripping. The bridge ushers in additional vocals by Stephen Nichols, and the result is wonderful. Next, let’s line up single #1, “Pin Your Wings”. Aaron Marsh should teach lessons on what makes a pop song work (another example of this is their brilliant cover of “Every Breath You Take" featured on the iPolicia! tribute album) because this song has everything a pop song needs. Melody, song structure and arrangement are critical for any/every band, and Copeland fully grasps this on In Motion. “Pin Your Wings” is an anthem. The band’s vocals are just a bonus for an already moving band. Yes, Marsh has stellar vocals, but this band would win fans and break hearts if the vocals were mediocre. The fact is that Copeland moves you – moves you in ways that Coldplay and Travis want to move you. This song should be a hit single, but alas, corporate rock reigns on top40 radio. The piano crafted “Kite” is the albums centerpiece as track 5. The reel-to-reel effect works to ground the song in its proper context (think Richard Swift’s The Novelist). While greatly influenced by the late Jeff Buckley, “Kite” strips Copeland down to their bare essentials. The band sounds natural, unforced, and insanely beautiful. “Love Is A Fast Song” would arguably be single #2. Please note that I wouldn’t call these ‘singles’ my personal favorites, but they have all the right elements for radio formats. The guitars on this song almost dance in circles. Of course, the hooks are shiny and polished, but without a washed out, contrived cheesiness. The album closes with a slow and intricate ballad called “Hold Nothing Back”. These boys have a way of touching your soul and ripping your heart out. The acoustic guitars on the closer are messy enough; yet retain that poppy sensibility that distinguishes Copeland from the indie-pop/rock pack. Matt Goldman, along with Marsh, is at the helm of In Motion, and his touch is crisp – helping the band bridge the gap between indie and mainstream.

My copy of In Motion came with a bonus EP. There are 4 live, acoustic songs from the Sony Connect sessions, and this makes a nice addition to an already beautiful pop LP. The band plays 2 songs from the Beneath Medicine Tree era (“Take Care” and “Coffee”) and 2 songs from In Motion (“Don’t Slow Down” and “Pin Your Wings”). So, In Motion proves to be a classic take on modern indie pop. The record won’t change the world, nor does it try. It’s just a beautiful record about love. It’s not perfect, but I don’t know how Copeland can improve on this album. More pop than Seven Day Jesus/Matthew, less rock than The Autumns, yet falling somewhere gracefully in the middle is a little band from Florida that’s worthy of your attention and hard earned cash. The artwork acts as a great accent to the album’s sound. Fans of melody will love this. Best album of 2005 contender…for sure.

~ Garrett Johnson

This cd is really cool. I've only started listening to these guys a little while ago. I was really surprised at how good the lead singer can sing. When I listened to "Knowing Nothing Stays the Same" I thought that the singer was a girl but on this cd I can actually hear more of a guys voice in most of the songs. The lyrics are really happy and encouraging with lines like, "He can make you face all your fears," which I've missed in bands these days with songs of sorrow and pain, CL brings in how great and wonderful life can be if you make it that way. The piano is really awesome and how they add in some distortion with the guitars ever once in awhile throughout the cd that gives it a nice touch.

This cd has made me into a Copeland fan. My favorite tracks are #1 "No One Really Wins", this song is just an awesome catchy song and #7 "Love Is A Fast Song", this songs really cool right when it starts off the singer starts singing with such a sweet voice "You don't have to be ashamed" and just puts you at peace, and with the "wo" part in the song it almost sounds like Jimmy Eat World.lol, but this cd is really great and speaks with emotion in the heart of passion, love, happiness, and life. this cd will be out March 22nd so go get it and go visit www.purevolume.com/copeland to hear 3 new songs off the album.

~ Steven John