Cut Copy - Zonoscope

Ah Cut Copy, we meet again. Last time I attempted this whole 'review an album a week' thing in 2008 I ended up reviewing their In Ghost Colours album. Having reread my embarrassingly badly written review I quite liked the album. I wasn't the only one as well. For an Australian electro pop outfit they certainly managed a bunch of international attention, and the album turned up on more than a few Best of 2008 lists.

Three years later they're back, and sounding more new wave than ever. Cut Copy seem to have an endless mine of '80s cliches. Not that it's a bad thing, it gives the music a familiar and timeless feel. Giving you a fondness for the tracks before you're even halfway through. Take Me Over steals the bassline from Men At Work's Down Under (although fortunately the contentious flute riff was left behind). Blink And You'll Miss A Revolution felels a lot like The Human League's Don't You Want Me, and Sun God sounds like a 12" remix of early U2.

The lead track and album opener Need You Now has been getting plenty of rotation on Triple J, and was the main motivation for buying the album. Despite the upbeat tempo and glistening keyboards there's a tired, rundown feel to the vocals. The juxtaposition makes the song feel like a puzzle. Is he tired because of need, or does he need because he's tired. It's also pretty great pop song, although outside of the context of the album I'd trim off the minute long intro.

Cut Copy seem to have not made their mind up about whether they want to make music for the dance floor, or the lounge room. Some of the tracks sound like club anthems that have been quieted down a little for home listening, and some of the tracks sound like experimental electronic soundscapes, or Giorgio Moroder film scores. There are hybrid efforts too. Much of 15 minute long album closer Sun God sounds like an electronic film score with a beat.

I think Cut Copy need an outlet. Somebody needs to ask them to write the score to a Blade Runner style sci-fi film (I wonder if Duncan Jones has a composer for Mute yet). That way they can get the soundscapes out of their system and can really get to concentrating on making some classic tight electro pop. Not that there aren't some great songs on this album. It just feels a little undecided in places.