Weekly Release Spotlight: Cut Copy
Posted on 3/20/2011
Cut Copy
Zonoscope
[Modular]
Zonoscope
[Modular]
The Electro-pop genre is so vaguely defined; when a band puts out catchy, well produced songs, it only seems logical to classify it as such. Cut Copy exceeds these prerequisites. From his humble beginnings as a DJ and graphic designer in 2001, frontman Dan Whitford led this Australian quartet to glory. Cut Copy has declined touring opportunities alongside Lady Gaga, Nine Inch Nails, and Coldplay. In addition, they have gained international recognition when their single “Lights and Music” was featured in FIFA 09. They will be featured at Ultra Music Festival this March in Miami, considered by the dance music community to be the greatest United States dance event of the year. Cut Copy will be showcasing the progress of electro-pop alongside Tiesto, David Guetta, Deadmau5, and Duran Duran.
Cut Copy is and undisputed leader in the indie music as well as dance music community because they seem to give us the beats we love to dance to with the soulful lyrics and catchy melodies that we love to sing. They have gleaned everything we loved about 80’s music and modernized it. Regardless of the song, Cut Copy will provide a ridiculously catchy groove underneath Whitford’s haunting vocals (which are never short on reverb). Tasteful synthesizer blips and pads are vital components of every song, and all of their work is impeccably produced by Whitford.
Zonoscope is no exception. The album opens with “Need You Now,” a highlight of everything positive about 80’s music. Hard beats, 16th note bass, ambient synthesizers, and of course Whitford’s vocal intensity are all on the forefront of this epic power ballad. The song builds so nicely it will be a couple of listens before you realize there isn’t a chord change for at least two minutes. This track has been an undeniable favorite of the DJ’s here at Radio K.
“Pharaohs and Pyramids” highlights the dance influence in Cut Copy’s material. Starting with an atmospheric synth-marimba and arpegiated synthesizer, by the time the four-on-the-floor bass drum enters what appears to be an eighth note too late, it’s clear that these guys know that syncopation gets bodies moving. By the time the build comes along, you have been transported to a place where 80’s style vocals meet classic Chicago house beats and piano. This build is the revolutionary sound of Cut Copy, and in my opinion, the highlight of the album.
As a musician, I appreciate Zonoscope because the 80’s influences, as well as modern nu-disco, house, and indie influences are all so prevalent throughout the album. They are blended harmoniously without ever sounding repetitive. The production work on Zonoscope is incredible; every time I listen to one of these songs, I find another layer that I missed the time before. And if nothing else, Cut Copy gets everyone up and dancing. It is apparent that these guys are serious about their work and are just realizing their potential on a global scale. While respected by artists of all genres, Cut Copy is focusing on one thing: creating incredible experimental music. They succeed with Zonoscope.
Cut Copy is and undisputed leader in the indie music as well as dance music community because they seem to give us the beats we love to dance to with the soulful lyrics and catchy melodies that we love to sing. They have gleaned everything we loved about 80’s music and modernized it. Regardless of the song, Cut Copy will provide a ridiculously catchy groove underneath Whitford’s haunting vocals (which are never short on reverb). Tasteful synthesizer blips and pads are vital components of every song, and all of their work is impeccably produced by Whitford.
Zonoscope is no exception. The album opens with “Need You Now,” a highlight of everything positive about 80’s music. Hard beats, 16th note bass, ambient synthesizers, and of course Whitford’s vocal intensity are all on the forefront of this epic power ballad. The song builds so nicely it will be a couple of listens before you realize there isn’t a chord change for at least two minutes. This track has been an undeniable favorite of the DJ’s here at Radio K.
“Pharaohs and Pyramids” highlights the dance influence in Cut Copy’s material. Starting with an atmospheric synth-marimba and arpegiated synthesizer, by the time the four-on-the-floor bass drum enters what appears to be an eighth note too late, it’s clear that these guys know that syncopation gets bodies moving. By the time the build comes along, you have been transported to a place where 80’s style vocals meet classic Chicago house beats and piano. This build is the revolutionary sound of Cut Copy, and in my opinion, the highlight of the album.
As a musician, I appreciate Zonoscope because the 80’s influences, as well as modern nu-disco, house, and indie influences are all so prevalent throughout the album. They are blended harmoniously without ever sounding repetitive. The production work on Zonoscope is incredible; every time I listen to one of these songs, I find another layer that I missed the time before. And if nothing else, Cut Copy gets everyone up and dancing. It is apparent that these guys are serious about their work and are just realizing their potential on a global scale. While respected by artists of all genres, Cut Copy is focusing on one thing: creating incredible experimental music. They succeed with Zonoscope.
Stream: Cut Copy - "Where I'm Going"