Copeland

Copeland / Photo by David Sullivan

What? It's understandable to accuse Lakeland, FL, quartet Copeland of possessing a dreary outlook at times. The quartet's 2003 debut, Beneath Medicine Tree, was inspired by hospital imagery and the medical problems of those close to frontman Aaron Marsh. And the group's downcast pop-rock melodies are reminiscent of emo heroes Jimmy Eat World's bummed-out 1999 touchstone Clarity. But on Copeland's fourth full-length, You Are My Sunshine, out Oct. 14, Marsh and Co. draw back the curtains and employ songcraft drenched in glowing melodies. Hear for yourself by checking out album track "Should You Return" below, as well as "On the Safest Ledge" here.

Who? After forming in 2000, the band has now recorded four albums, plus a decent amount of covers, including Soundgarden's "Black Hole Sun" and the Police's "Every Breath You Take," both which are found on 2004's covers EP, Know Nothing Stays the Same. Currently, Copeland is comprised of Marsh (vocals/guitar/piano), Bryan Laurenson (guitar/piano), Jonathan Bucklew (drums/percussion), and Stephen Laurenson (guitar).

Fun Fact: In addition to his duties with Copeland, frontman and co-founder Marsh has also lent his vocal talents to like-minded acts Underoath and Anberlin.

Now Heat This: Copeland - "Should You Return"