“All the girls I known are crying.” Those are Dan Whitford’s opening lyrics for Cut Copy’s sophomore album In Ghost Colours. It’s been four plus years since the Melbourne, Australia outfit released their
debut album, Bright Like Neon Love, but then again my mother always told me “good things come to those who wait.” In Cut Copy’s case they must have listened to their moms as well. Australia is buzzing with their latest release, the album debuted at #1 on the ARIA charts, and with an upcoming tour of U.S.A in the cards, In Ghost Colours will place Cut Copy among the elite of dance punk/electro pop acts in the world.
The band’s sophomore effort is a refreshing and bright album that does not smack the listener in the face with intensity. Instead, it relies on an excellent blend of catchy bass lines, up-tempo drum beats, and countless layers of synthesized effects. The single, “Lights and Music,” is a perfect example of this formula. A greasy bass line at the beginning hooks you in the ears and does not let go. While there are many layers to “Lights and Music” the vocals are front and centre. Clearly Cut Copy have found the perfect mix of 80s synth, 70s disco, 60s psychedelia, and modern electronica. “Lights and Music” is arguably the best track on an excellent album filled with catchy tunes that force you to tap your foot and nod your head regardless of where you are listening. I caught myself in the grocery store banging on the produce while listening to track two, “Out There on the Ice,” just the other day, but that is a different story for a different day.
While “Lights and Music” is a strong enough reason to give the entire album a listen, the strongest characteristic of In Ghost Colours lies within the production. Five stars to Tim Goldsworthy for creating an album that sounds amazing. Already with an impressive resume that includes The Rapture and working with James Murphy, from LCD Soundsystem. I would go out on a limb and say Goldsworthy knows what he is doing in a recording studio. Recording layers upon layers Goldsworthy creates a massive sandwich of great dance music. Although the synthesizer is a huge part of Cut Copy’s refreshing sound, it’s the thick bass lines and the well recorded drums that are the strongest part of the album. With so many layers in Cut Copy’s music, Goldsworthy succeeds by not shoving all these sounds down the listeners throat all at once. He harnesses Cut Copy’s Australian roots to create an album that is easy listening but still full of life and adrenaline.
When listening to the album, one can’t help but think of sun soaked beaches filled with bikinis, surfers, and waves crashing upon white Australian sand. Although Whitford never mentions his home country in his lyrics, this beach vibe is quite evident. Particularly on later tracks “Far Away” and “Strangers in the Wind” where Cut Copy rely heavily on their 80s influences. Even as the album comes down to a close, each track is as good as the last. Cut Copy finish In Ghost Colours on a strong note with “Nobody Lost, Nobody Found” and “Eternity One Night Only.” Hopefully we won’t have to wait another four years for more.
For anyone who believes that dance music is all about glow sticks, weird noises, and catch phrase lyrics they should give In Ghost Colours a listen. I guarantee it would change your view towards the genre. Cut Copy do not conform to the mainstream of electro music, instead they create their own energy and vibe. With In Ghost Colours in their musical arsenal there is no doubt that these Aussie boys will be dominating the festival circuits and album charts for years to come.
