Labels: Big Scary Monsters Records
Review by: Andy Malcolm
I had heard good things about this band but this was the first time I had heard their music. And I guess it wasn’t for me. This is more of that hyper-active youngun stuff, for fans of Los Campesinos and Johnny Foreigner, but not for puritanical lovers of midwestmo and the 1990s. Musically it’s pretty solid, coming on like Idlewild but with some sweet Promise Ring basslines. The bass is easily the best thing in this band. Yet it all falls apart when the terrible, terrible singing and lyrics kick in. I mean:
“This is big business, this is big bollocks, so get serious, so get fucked, it’s only a gameshow, it’s only a gameshow, points win prizes…”
Jesus christ. Some of that might be slightly wrong I guess, but it’s close enough. Someone who gives a shit can e-mail me with corrections if they like. Anyway, enough of that. I just can’t get past the irritating vocals, because the guitars are really nice at times and show an appreciation of some bands who are actually decent, but as an old bastard I can’t get past the vocals and the fact that these guys can play their instruments far too well to be that interesting. Technical proficiency breeds loss of interest.
So yeah, if you are into all the peppy UK indie bands doing this kind of mathy poppy indie thing then you will be dead taken with Copy Haho as they are probably the best of a mediocre bunch, because they at least seem vaguely familiar with the Promise Ring. Otherwise, steer clear.