polaroids of androids

I have always had a funny relationship with New Zealand's Cut Off Your Hands. It dates back to their breakthrough single (which this, their debut album, is named after) which absolutely floored me with it's fantastically executed urgent punk frustration. You And I (the song) featured on their debut EP (which later became their band name - confused yet?) and although the other five tracks on the release were far from being offensively bad - they were nowhere near as good as the lead track.

Second time around on their Levi-sponsored Blue On Blue EP it was the same story. Once again there was a standout track (Closed Eyes) and once more it was surrounded by weaker companions. The EP also saw the group start to focus their attention more on building songs around harmonies and 'swooning'. There was a clear subject focus on the ladies and because I was born as a MAN (not a boy) I felt like they weren't really talking to me anymore.

You and I is enjoyable enough, but once again the band show that they are very much hit or miss. The re-made older songs (much like the overall style of the record) have been given a distinct overlay of polish courtesy of current indie go-to producer Bernard Butler. You either like this guy's style of 'heavy shine' or you think it strips out the soul of the music. Unfortunately, I am the latter.

The majority of the newer songs retrace a lot of the 'tricks' that have worked for the band previously. It Doesn't Matter and Let's Get Out There are particularly bland inclusions, sounding a lot like the band are simply going through the motions.

Surprisingly, the most interesting parts of this record occur when the band explore the uncharted waters of their sound. The ballad In The Name Of Jesus Christ, although a little weak lyrically, highlights the fact the group are attempting to focus more on their own feelings than the desires and expectations of their fans. Considering the point of their career this is a brave move. Better still, it actually works with Jesus, along with the closing track Someone Like Daniel, which is fantastically set over schoolyard background noise, adding a whole new dimension to the group's pop punk sound.

With the exception of the few acoustic ballads, Cut Off Your Hands haven't moved too far from their core sound. They still focus their attention primarily on building their songs around catchy hooks and familiar structures. This is a very safe record, and although it seems like the logical path this group was always destined to head down, You And I doesn't contain anything that jumps out and forces your attention.