Open Hand is a band I saw in concert a lot when I was in high school. I was always impressed by their live shows, in fact, more often than not, these guys rocked my ass off. They were badass back then, in the same way a band like Saosin is now (there may be some correlation as Open Hand's former drummer, Alex Rodriguez, is presently manning the skins for Saosin, but this is purely speculation on my part). The last four years have not been kind to the band, what with members leaving the fold left and right, along with other difficulties - it would not have surprised me to learn that Open Hand had called it quits. Particularly when you consider their last release, The Dream, was nothing more than a compilation of their first two Eps with only ONE new song. Since I already owned all but one of these songs, I felt slightly ripped-off.

Frustrated by at the fact that the band had been sticking their dick in the mashed potatoes for past several years, I was a bit leery as I tore the cellophane off this brand spanking new release, but it's time I stop bitching because You and Me is definitely worth the wait. Open Hand has certainly softened their approach, with dare I say, a poppier more accessible record than anything they've done in the past. So much so that I'm sure there are a few of their old-school fans that are not pleased, but screw 'em, bands change and sometimes you have to keep an open mind.

New drummer, Paxton Pryor, (from The Vacation) not only fills Rodriguez' sizable shoes, but adds some unusual backing vocals that eventually grow on you. Take it for what it's worth, but You and Me is a shamelessly catchy and even relaxing recording that reminds of Queens of the Stone Age's mellower tracks. Kinder and Gentler as it may be, it's still good old Open Hand, and considering the struggle it's been to get this record out to us, I'm just going to welcome it with Open Arms.