Cut Copy are one of those bands that have everything going for them right now. Hip street cred, good looks, a plethora of singles on high radio rotation, not only one but two popular albums, sell out gigs in every capital city, upcoming festival slots across Europe and dedicated fans. And a lot of this can be attributed to their talent for crossing the divergent worlds of electro-pop, indie shoegazer and dancefloor remixes.
Having been on my music radar for a few years now, I had always missed the chance to see their full live set, only catching a brief glimpse early in the afternoon at 2007’s Good Vibrations in Sydney. An outdoor stage in the height of summer didn’t allow them to hit their hallmark dance pop sound, but a large night club, like tonight at HQ, was the ideal place to help them shine.
The Shocking Pinks from New Zealand were first support act that I gather most people missed, as I heard no comments floating around the room but by 9pm the bars, tables and half of the main stage area was full to hear the next support, all the way from New York on the national Cutters tour. Four piece Juan Maclean are probably new to most Aussie ears, with a sound more electro and disco house than our Cut Copy boys. Starting off with instrumental syncopated rhythms and drum beats that were more suitable as background music without being too engaging, they slowly warmed up and had people on the dance floor. Juan is the band’s leader on keyboards, vocals, cowbell and theremin, joined on vocals by a diminutive tambourine-playing Nancy and two other guys, one playing live drums and one on drum machine. By the end of their set most of us were getting into their music, but I’d say a much later time slot would do their songs more justice. I like the fact that Cut Copy hand selected the support bands to give a well rounded night of music wherever they travel.
After a short stage shuffle and sound check, Cut Copy burst onto the stage with Visions from current hit album In Ghost Colours, which also featured in the next three tracks. Then came old favourite Time Stands Still from debut album Bright Like Neon Love, this live version sounding as fresh and catchy as ever. Unforgettable Season clocked in next with a nice mellow shoegazer feel that gave the dance floor a rest. The set included stellar singles Lights and Music and Hearts on Fire, and my personal favourite Future.
With older songs sprinkled amongst the newies, it was a show guaranteed to please, and pretty impressive that everyone else was more familiar with their newer stuff. I came to the gig thinking their older tunes would be hard to beat, but Cut Copy’s brand of an 80s synth resurrection with nods towards the fabulous New Order and Depeche Mode’s hey day is not your standard rip off. Cut Copy have found their own sound, both underground and overground, contributing to their diverse fan base. Another nod to the 80’s was a song dedication to Stevie Nicks. Their live show is cleverly injected with synth pop and organic rock sounds and we were treated to well-constructed video clips for the last half of the set. HQs stage back drop of 12 or so large TV screens fit seamlessly with the 80s-inspired vibe, like a Video Hits special! The light-filled cubes and pyramids on either side of the stage that flashed pale blue and pink all night were a nice a touch keeping in theme with their geometric merchandising logos.
The lads on stage were having a great time, especially guitarist Tim Hoey who showcased his guitar licks and took to getting audience sing-a-longs and hands up in the air. Dan Whitford was in fine voice tonight, in fact all three guys in front layered melodies and chimed in the catchy choruses. With a brief encore of two more tracks, Feel The Love and the fun Saturdays, Adelaide fans were left with warm fuzzy feelings happy to have shared the evening with such charming and talented guys. I wish them every success furthering their career across the oceans flying our flag for independent music.
