Sunshine-drenched pop

Today’s bands are signed and dropped by major labels so quickly it’s hard to keep track.

Copeland made their way to Columbia Records in 2006 after years of hard work, but the commercial failure of Eat, Sleep, Repeat led to their exit from the major label spotlight just one year later. And although it was speculated that the band were no longer together, they surprised many by joining indie power Tooth & Nail to release You Are My Sunshine.

Their struggles with the industry must have allowed the band to refocus, because Sunshine is far superior to their previous efforts. Each of Copeland’s previous albums has a distinct sound, and Sunshine manages to combine the best of all them into one solid release: the moodiness of Eat, the bombastic energy of In Motion and the earnestness of Beneath the Medicine Tree.

“Should You Return” opens the record in typical Copeland fashion, with vocalist Aaron Marsh’s distinct, high-pitched croon soaring over a simple melody. The latter half of the song introduces the heavily distorted guitar sounds that drive a good portion of the album, and although this technique is nothing new for the band, it works better than ever.

Though many of the songs here are similar, the band manages to diversify just enough. “Good Morning Fire Eater” is one of the more fluttering and upbeat tracks, featuring decidedly melodic drum work and great distortion from the guitars.

“On The Safest Ledge” is a visible Death Cab riff through the verses, but Marsh’s vocal prowess and guest Rae Cassidy Klagstad add emotional depth.

The highlight “The Day I Lost My Voice (Suitcase Song)” brings a simple horn section, twinkling percussion and some of Marsh’s more poignant lyrics delivered by guest Klagstad: “For a moment I was one man and the world made sense / For a moment in this storm made of consequence.”

You Are My Sunshine sees Copeland find their place within their music by combining elements that made them successful in the past. Some songs may run together, but the album is still a bright light from a band thought to have burned out.