Cut Off Your Hands — You And I

Cut Off Your Hands sound like they put all their iPods on shuffle and and then tried to jumble everything they heard together. While it doesn't particularly sprout from the originality root, You And I is simply a great record. The majority of the songs boast the kind of '80s dance elements that give scenesters wet dreams and haters nightmares. Yet just when you're getting ready to bust your next move, Cut Off Your Hands switch things up and slow them down. "In The Name Of Jesus Christ" and "Someone like Daniel" are obvious religious tracks that emphasize there's more to this New Zealand band than Smiths and Jager bombs. After awhile, their broad range of sonic influences starts making sense and exhibits a vast array of talents that showcase their diversity in songwriting and construction. "Closed Eyes" is the standout track because it truly displays their potential. While the album is seemingly all over the map, it works in their favour. You And I is at times dancey, at times tragic, but consistently solid. Well done, boys.

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