Since Copeland‘s first album there’s been a lack of really good melancholic piano-pop. Sure, The Rocket Summer have pretty much cornered the genre, but they’re a bit chirpier and happier. The Morning Of, however, manage to fill the void the two bands have left. Comprising the duel vocals of Jessica Leplon and Justin Wiley and produced by Jim Wirt (No Doubt, Something Corporate, The Rocket Summer), this record is 12 tracks of piano-led goodness. The dual vocals set the band apart from many others who have tried (and failed) to live up to the standards set by other bands, meaning the likes of ‘What You Can’t Control’ are passionate, melodic rock songs that will have you shouting and singing along in no time.
While the band don’t stray from the formula all that much on ‘The Way I Fell In’, it works brilliantly throughout. There are bouncy poppy songs all over the shop, but the vocals trading blows off one another give this, at times, a slight feeling of melancholy. I like it because I don’t think every band could ever sound as positive as The Rocket Summer. It’s like a reality check. It means the lively ‘The Ones The Fall Apart’ and the catchy ‘Dance With Me’ sound a lot more honest and believable. The latter actually reminds me of the band 1997 when they were at their best.
This is the best release LAB have put out so far, hands down and well worth your ears.