Undoubtedly, 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 Beneath Medicine Tree, however. You won't find the atmospheric elements that permeated some of that album's best songs, but you will find more opportunities for Aaron Marsh's oh so sweet vocals to shine through. In Motion shows a greater desire to rock straight from the opening gate as "No One Really Wins" proves right away that Copeland is treading new ground.
The best moments seem to come when the band settles into the mid tempo groove that worked so well on Beneath Medicine Tree. Songs like "Don't Slow Down" and "Love Is a Fast Song" do this with excellent results. I also found myself very grateful that the band worked in a couple of slow numbers such as "Kite" and "Hold Nothing Back" which by the end of the album seem to be the songs that stick out from the crowd the most.
I have to be honest, however. There are a few songs on In Motion that easily get lost amongst the myriads of other indie rock music out there with no ability to set themselves apart from the masses. "Pin Your Wings" and "You Love to Sing" especially hold this problem. Thankfully this weakness is the exception and not the rule.
In all, In Motion is a solid album but it falls short of the brilliance of Beneath Medicine Tree. The band is still young and they need albums like this to determine what works and what doesn't. Most of In Motion does work and for that it is still an album with my recommendation.
3.5 tocks
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,…Decapolis May 2005Reviewed by Luke KruseIt 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,…Similar sounding releases
2004Something Like SilasDivine Invitation
2003Sleeping at LastGhosts
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2001Remy ZeroThe Golden Hum
1999Chasing FuriesWith Abandon
