REVIEW: Brett Copeland — Cure for Me (SINGLE)
For some people, surviving themselves is the hardest thing of all. Brett Copeland’s new single “Cure for Me” is the next logical step forward in the singer’s evolution as one of rock’s brightest young talents. His earlier singles, such as an outstanding cover of U2’s “Where the Streets Have No Name”, manages to straddle the line between modernity and time-tested rock fundamentals.
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/brettcopeland/?hl=en
His material always benefits from powerhouse production. Copeland works this time out with co-producer Philip Paulsen and they achieve a rugged, physical “live” sound despite the remote nature of the recording. It is steeped in a convincing hard rock sound, there’s no question of that, but there’s an industrial edge to the recording that gives it a more modern attack.
The lyrics are self-lacerating. Copeland’s writing doesn’t show much forgiveness, rather exasperation, with his own frailties. It’s unrepentantly personal, Copeland’s fans will be listeners who love that as much as his voice, but never uncomfortable to hear. His experiences, in one way or another, are relatable for many listeners. The words give “Cure for Me” a real yet non-specific sense of stakes you catch onto from the first. His peace of mind is continually at risk and this is an impassioned outcry full of the struggle to keep it together.
The production has balance. Copeland and Paulsen opt to put some post-production effects on the former’s voice, but it never dilutes his vocal impact. It may seem like an odd word, on the surface, to associate with Copeland’s music but restraint is key to the song’s success. He understands as both a songwriter and performer just how much pressure to apply both vocally and musically. This is far from mindless slam-banging hard rock action.
There’s nothing stodgy about it, that’s for sure. Copeland grabs every line by the figurative throat and squeezes out every viable ounce of emotion. Bringing this sort of commitment to his performances is a hallmark of Copeland’s work and the new single is a pinnacle for him. There’s no pretentiousness weighing down the work. It is a singer presenting himself unvarnished, maximum vulnerability, yet never compromising or cookie-cutter.
It doesn’t run on too long either. Copeland’s past work shows he understands the importance of getting in and out with a minimum of fuss. There’s no virtuoso trips dragging the song down either; you won’t hear some extended guitar solo, though there’s no doubt Copeland favors crunchy guitar. Any rock fan will enjoy the sound he gets for this song. It never sounds put on but, instead, pumps out with real muscle.
APPLE MUSIC: https://music.apple.com/us/album/cure-for-me-single/1606038343
It’s an invigorating beginning to Brett Copeland’s year. Copeland’s new single builds on the success of his recent efforts by further developing his art without ever taking even a half-step backwards. “Cure for Me” is tortured, but never wallows in self-pity. It has a hard eyed recognition of his flaws and, despite its unforgiving tone, the fact the song exists at all is a definite push back against the malaise its lyrics depict.
Colin Jordan
