With all the swagger and gusto of a band armed with its first album, New Zealand foursome Cut Off Your Hands embodies everything there is to love about a young band. You & I is brimming with energy and sheer exuberance. From the simple elation of finding love in "Happy As Can Be" to the sourness of love lost in "Heartbreak," You & I delivers the ups and downs in the same upbeat and infectious cadence.
Due to its sheer energy and enthusiasm, Cut Off Your Hands is reminiscent of early Franz Ferdinand or the Killers. Post-punk also factors into the mix. As does British pop music from the '60s. With its unapologetically simple lyrics and pleasant pop melodies, "Oh Girl," for instance, comes off like an early Beatles song with more of an indie-rock kick.
Though it might be tempting to write off this young group as one-dimensional, it is worth noting that they also include on their album songs like "In the Name of Jesus Christ" and "Someone Like Daniel" that grapple with religion.
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