Albums
< Cut Copy
In Ghost Colours
words by Dean Driscoll
Crack out the aviators, because summer has finally returned, after abandoning the UK totally in 2007, courtesy of ‘In Ghost Colours’. Not only have Cut Copy evolved since their debut album, ‘Bright Like Neon Love’, established the electro-pop Beach Boys potential of this Melbourne triumvirate, but they’ve improved immeasurably to the point where ‘...Neon Love’ sounds like the work of a different, far inferior band. The old influences have become marginalised - instead, the spectres of Roxy Music, Bowie and Bizarre Inc all pop up at various points - whilst Whitford’s songwriting has improved no end - gone are the vague sketches of songs which made up the first album, now come fully formed pop epics.
The main influence though would be DFA’s Tim Goldsworthy - coming on board as producer, he’s ensured Cut Copy’s sound is far crisper and richer, whilst lending the electronic elements real weight. The techno undercurrents of ‘Out On The Ice’ wouldn’t feel out of place on an album by Frankfurt’s minimal heroes Booka Shade and, sharing Cut Copy’s commitment to the LP form, songs blend into each other via bridge tracks that carry us through one luscious soundscape and into the next song, for a more rewarding album experience.
‘In Ghost Colours’ is nothing short of a triumphant, a genuinely brilliant record that tells the world that Cut Copy are no longer merely likeable, but a pop band of genuine talent. With people previously wishing them success based on their boundless enthusiasm, they’ve now proved they’ve got the talent to match their exuberance: now they truly deserve greater success. And once songs such as the standout ‘Far Away’ have soundtracked the best parts of summer 2008, you’ll do whatever you can to help them achieve it.
9/10 in stores now
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