With Zonoscope, Cut Copy is going on a trip. The Melbourne-based electro-pop group’s sophomore release is brimming with journey images and metaphors, from song titles like “Where I’m Going” to lyrics like “take it from me/we’re on a path to eternity.” And while Zonoscope is still filled with the ecstatic, feel-good, summer-y beats that fans have come to expect, this release is Cut Copy’s attempt to be taken more seriously.
Cut Copy was the darling of the festival scene this past summer, and Zonoscope is clearly an endeavor to mature from the electronic dance tunes that made these Aussies famous in 2004. Gone are the days of the simple but catchy arrangements of their debut, having been replaced with a much more layered, textured sound—likely the result of their collaboration with Animal Collective’s Ben H. Allen.
But beyond Allen, Zonoscope reveals a much broader range of influences, from the Beatles and the Beach Boys on the hit-worthy track “Where I’m Going,” to electronic gods LCD Soundsystem. Even up-and-comers Yeasayer can be heard on the pulsating “Corner of the Sky” and euphoric closer “Sun God.” They show a wider range in tempos too, ranging between the chilled-out “This Is All We Got” and the rocked-up “Alisa.”
But Cut Copy die-hards need not worry. The band has pushed their characteristic ‘80s new-wave vibe even further, showcasing frontman Dan Whitford’s voice to create something like Depeche Mode meets Men Without Hats. And the band’s steady synth beats permeate every track, none more so than the toe-tapping “Hanging on to Every Heartbeat.” Experimental new sounds add depth to these beats, and create a better backdrop for the stunning vocals.
The result is certainly more complex, luscious music. On the other hand, the band’s former target audience (festival kids jumping around to catchy tunes like “Saturdays” and “Hearts on Fire”) might be disappointed with the more intelligent but also slightly less accessible songs.
Cut Copy is taking us with them on a journey through deeper layers of electronic work and the roots of their musical inspiration. But if you think that means the boys have found the “music” and lost the fun, think again—if you put in the work to appreciate it, you’ll reap the reward of a dynamic new sound that still delivers that sunny, Aussie bliss that made them famous.
Voice’s Choices: “Pharaohs and Pyramids,” “Hang on to Every Heartbeat
