There are bands that admittedly have flown under the radar for yours truly.
Cut Copy is sadly one of them.
Cut Copy is an Australian synthpop band consisting of Dan Whitford who does the vocals, Tim Hoey who is in charge of the guitars, Ben Browning who does the bass, and Mitchell Scott who mans the drums. The band recently released their third studio album Zonoscope which is the focus of this post.
Zonoscope begins with Need You Now, the track that rightfully introduces to the listener the unique listening experience that the Australian outfit brings. The track shows how the band can convey sadness amidst the superb electronica sounds crashing into the aural capabilities of the listener.
Why did I mention that track gives off the rightful introduction to the unique listening experience that the band brings? For one, elements rarely seen in mainstream outfits are present in the track. Disco rhythms are frequent – the best part is that they do resemble tribal sounds. An atmospheric vibe, as a result, is present. As for the lyricism, it can be said that the lyrics contained in the effort are poetic albeit still making a lot of sense.
One of the album’s best cuts is Take Me Over. Tim Hoey has actually described the aforementioned track as “certainly one of the more pop moments in the album” and I actually agree with this assessment of his. The overall sound may be bouncy yet it still thrives due to the cleverly done instrumentation. The listener may actually feel that he is listening to some music from the 80s and such observations can actually be felt by many.
Pharaohs & Pyramids possesses some ridiculous yet splendid instrumentation. The electronica sound actually overflows in the track and gives the track a highly appreciated aesthetic appeal. Basically, the track is a well-mixed combination of synthesizers and disco elements.
Where I’m Going opens with a guitar riff and does resemble the sound crafted by the Beach Boys. A track like this does bring up memories for people who loved listening to such kind of music. However, all this was made possible because of a fresh track that has managed to stay that way even though it possesses elements included in 80s music. Corner of the Sky again utilizes the tribal disco rhythms that the band has mastered.
Strange Nostalgia for the Future arguably has the most complex instrumentation ever. The organic electronica sound in the instrumental may startle the listener but trust me, it all fits perfectly into place eventually. The 15-minute album closer Sun God somehow reminded me of Depeche Mode. The track, built on a searing combination of synthesizers and percussion instruments, also is filled with downright filthy (and I mean this in a very good way) array of rhythms and hooks that make listening to it a very pleasurable aural experience.
With Zonoscope, Cut Copy has craftily built a record that manages to exceed expectations. With tracks that never cease due to spectacular production values, Cut Copy has managed to create a record that is satisfying on all fronts. Simply put, Zonoscope is a gorgeous release from the Aussie band.
Best Track: Take Me Over
Other Recommended Tracks: Pharaohs & Pyramids, Sun God, Corner of the Sky, and Where I’m Going
Date Released: February 8, 2011
Label: Modular Recordings
