Copy Haho - Cutting Out the Bad/You Are My Coal Mine

Since 2005, Copy Haho have been sweet words on many a Scottish music critic's lips, despite a seemingly slow build for the Stonehaven four-piece. This latest release, however, could very well reach beyond mere critical acclaim as Cutting Out the Bad perfectly demonstrates the band's ability to carve out melodic rock songs that are charming and poppy, yet amazingly non-cheesy. Sounding equal parts Dinosaur Jr and Broken Social Scene, second A-side You Are My Coal Mine is a frenetic burst of melody and unlikely romantic sentiment ('I'm the shit on your shoes, you are the shit on mine') as endearing as it is catchy, and equally hard to ignore. [Ryan Drever]