Emotionalpunk.com
Media Review
Music Quality: 9.5
Production: 8.0
Originality: 8.0
Tracklisting
2. Choose The One Who Loves You More
3. Pin Your Wings
4. Sleep
5. Kite
6. Don't Slow Down
7. Love Is A Fast Song
8. You Have My Attention
9. You Love To Sing
10. Hold Nothing Back
Undoubtedly, "Beneath Medicine Tree" is an essential to any fan of passionate, caring music, and while I certainly love that record, Copeland have demonstrated a growth I expected. More mature, swirling songwriting and craftsmanship is evident on "In Motion," with thickly layered textures and wonderful vocals. Lots of louder guitars as well, which is always a blessing, and adds to the contrast of Aaron's smooth, ghostly voice that drifts over them.
The beautiful, caring lyrics are still evident, but not quite as prominent on this record. The last record seemed more of a personal record, a reflection if you will, and this record seems more like an upfront pop rock album. Aaron swoons, "Your words hit like a train and I can't ignore it.." on "Don't Slow Down," and cries out "You Have My Attention" sincerely on another jam. There are lots of spacey, elegant guitar riffs and pianos, all building a really solid structure, packed deep with sound. However, the best song is easily the second track, "Choose The One Who Loves You More," a bassy, classy jam featuring a guest vocalist I'm not sure of at this point. The music perfectly makes the listener feel the lyrics: "Rain, rain, rain on my mind.." and it's simply one of the most beautiful songs rendered this year. Lots of breakdowns, and pianos are evident, and I'm in love with how heavy the CD gets towards the end, with the heavy walls of guitar crunch I recognize from their wonderful live act.
Not to say there are definitely no downfalls on this record, however. "Sleep," the demo that was put on the internet awhile back, is rather sterile, despite it's very ambient, mellow feel, and the song "Kite" is honestly atrocious and annoying, exhibiting a rather child-like feel. It's just a weird song that I genuinely hate, that's all. Aside from those two, however, "In Motion" is truly a charmer, and I wouldn't expect anything less from the someday huge, talented 4-piece quartet who won me from day one with their splendid sincerity and passion in the song "May I Have This Dance." Buy this album and play it for your girlfriend, she'll love it almost as much as you do.