For those of us still grieving the death of The New Frontiers, a band that appeared to be one of the most promising in years, fret not, for we still have Copeland putting forth lovely works such as their latest, You Are My Sunshine. Full of dreamy ambiance that still packs a passion, the new album is delightfully seductive. 
Opening with “Should You Return,” the band gives off elements reminiscent of a mellower Silversun Pickups. The beautiful strings carry through the album letting you float in the sounds of their subtle, unobtrusive harmonies. “The Grey Man” comes in softly before bursting into a driving, military drumbeat on the choruses. “Chin Up” has some of the most interesting drum choices I’ve heard in a long while, along with the line, “You’ll break your neck to keep your chin up.”
The understated harmonies pull us into the record’s most unique song structure on “Good Morning Fire Eater.” The dissonant guitar line that flows throughout the song resolves nicely. As beautiful and interesting as this song is, the end tends to grow a bit repetitive as the band repeats the chorus seemingly without end.
Around the track “The Day I Lost My Voice (The Suitcase Song),” I begin to notice similarities to Stars, particularly to the song “The Big Fight.” Listen closely; I’m sure you’ll hear it. This likeness continues throughout the rest of the album, which is still beautiful but starts to sounds a bit monotonous compared to the rest of the album. The band seems to keep the same feel all the way through the record and fails to change it up enough to keep the listener interested. Yes, it’s cohesive, but there are ways to be cohesive without becoming stale. Refer again to comparable act Stars. All of their albums have a certain feel all the way through, but the songs are still different. This is the only place where Copeland fails.
Nevertheless, You Are My Sunshine is a beautiful piece of work and is best enjoyed in moments of blissful solitude.
Tracklisting:
01. Should You Return
02. The Grey Man
03. Chin Up
04. Good Morning Fire Eater
05. To Be Happy Now
06. The Day I Lost My Voice (The Suitcase Song)
07. On The Safest Ledge
08. Not Allowed
09. Strange and Unprepared
10. What Do I Know?
11. Not so Tough Found Out
Written by: Sara Swiecki
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