The Leader

Issue date: 11/8/06 Section: Music

Everyone sounds the same these days; that is, everyone but Copeland. The problem many artists have when producing new music and trying to mature lies in their attempt to sound like other bands. Understandably, Copeland remains one of those bands that artists want to sound like. The unwavering determination to not be anyone but themselves shines as the most lovable aspect of this quartet album after album. The group's freshman effort, Beneath Medicine Tree, and repertoire-builder, In Motion, maintained a sense of cohesion while tragedy and yearning defined the character of each album. Eat, Sleep, Repeat's critically honest words are met halfway by contemplative, ethereal compositions that, in Copeland's trademark fashion, result in original music covering the entire spectrum of pop.

Balance is key and Copeland are the key makers. A jazz interlude unlocks musical doors, complicating the longing ballad, "Love Affair," while soaring vocals drive an indie-rock anthem like "Careful Now" to the top of thousands of Last.fm's. This release shows its musical strength in the fact that it lacks predictability. The logical step most typical introspective emo-rockers would have taken is the last step this group wanted to take. Copeland do not hesitate to experiment, using raw strings, restless guitars, melodic horns and piano. This includes the percussive elements that accompany each instrument, such as the subtle sounds of fingers tickling the ebony and ivory. ESR strives to find balance, countering instrumentally extravagant bridges with simple, beautiful piano and vocal duos.

This disc is chock-full of heart-wrenching tunes that somehow have the ability to lift a spirit higher than lead singer Aaron Marsh's angelic falsetto. Marsh specifically plots out each word, focusing on the importance of love in relationships and displaying his proficiency with poetry. This love that he believes to be so essential to a meaningful life has the power to transform the mundanity of existence into something worthwhile. Copeland challenges all distorted pretenses of what love has become, confronting listeners with questions that will run through their minds for days.

The album takes time to appreciate. Some songs take a bit of work to get through, which is unfortunate to the flow of the album, so a Friday afternoon is probably not the best time to throw this one on the old iPod. On the other hand, a Tuesday night in November next to a nice stereo, with a cup of coffee and a couple of good friends sounds about right. A listener looking for immediate gratification will find disappointment in this album.

Eat, Sleep, Repeat gives Copeland fans a stronger definition of who the band really is and what they hold close. The album doesn't listen as easily as their previous work, but the attentive listener will discover and appreciate the defiant endeavor of this group to upset the smart-rock archetype. Regardless of one's desire in having a deep connection with a piece of music, Eat, Sleep, Repeat lacks the timidity of its peers in its musical and lyrical consideration and deserves a thoughtful listener. So listen, love, repeat.

5 of 5

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