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 Band/Musician: Cut Off Your Hands Album: You And I Label: French Kiss Records By Eric Rosenhek For their first full-length album, New Zealand’s Cut Off Your Hands have decided to be safe rather than taking a risk. You And I could’ve been a statement; a noteworthy contribution to the indie scene. However, the band has chosen to gingerly dip their toes in the lake instead of running in, no matter how cold the water is. This doesn’t mean You And I is a failure. The album has a decent sound and grabs the listener’s attention. But the key word is “safe.” You And I meets the appropriate standard. The majority of tracks are entertaining, fast-paced rock songs. Whether you’re at the gym or the local concert hall, the music of Cut Off Your Hands will make you move. But there’s nothing special about the songs on this album. There’s nothing that separates them from all the other indie rock tunes out there. The sound is typical and the lyrics are harmless. There could’ve been an attempt to rise above the thousands of indie groups, but Cut Off Your Hands chose a safe route and produced an album that is respectable, but doesn’t stand out. Among the tracks, there are two that do show this band’s potential. “In The Name Of Jesus Christ” is a powerful reflection on youth. The lyrics are compelling and one can hear the sadness in lead singer Nick Johnston’s voice, which was likely inspired by memories of his childhood. “Someone Like Daniel” reflects on the current state of society. It too has lyrics that are gripping and really shows the poetic side of the band. Both songs have a haunting feel, and the pace is slower in order to express the emotion. And given the sound and theme of the album, they ironically seem out of place. If all the tracks sounded like the aforementioned two, then You And I would’ve been significant. Unfortunately, it’s just a regular indie rock album – good enough for multiple plays, but blends in with everything else. For more information on Cut Off Your Hands, please visit www.myspace.com/cutoffyourhands |