Cut Copy at 7th Street Entry on 5/6/08

By: Jon Behm

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The 80’s revival that has been slowly gaining traction over the past 5 or so years seems to have now entered all facets of life. With a few exceptions, to experience Cut Copy’s 7^th Street Entry set on Tuesday night was akin to revisiting 1987, complete with synth-driven electro-pop, skintight stonewashed jeans and prominent neon colors. I am just waiting for the night when I see someone carrying a brick-style mobile phone while bouncing on a pogo-ball.

Photo by Jon Behm

While I have deep-seeded reservations about bringing back the '80s (just look at a picture of me from that era and you will understand), I guiltily enjoy certain byproducts of the movement, such as Cut Copy’s indie dance pop. Danceable music featured prominently in their hour-long set at the Entry, and despite the club being packed enough to generate 90-degree heat, Cut Copy had all the hipsters bouncing out of their Chucks.  Much like their label-mate The New Young Pony Club, CC has perfected the art making people want to move – through disco rhythms, slip n’ slide choruses, and an aesthetic that takes itself seriously enough while still staying fun. While the band may draw its influences from the decade that birthed their sound, they also show that dance music isn’t a dead art. Instead of simply aping bands like the Human League, CC seem to be creating their own voice, as evidenced by the more independent sound on their recently released In Ghost Colours.

The Australians drew mainly from this new material to form their setlist, however they also brought back a few gems from their older (and inferior) Bright Like Neon Love. Lead singer Dan Whitford kept the audience engaged throughout the show with a high level of energy and by actively encouraging audience members to dance (they didn’t need much encouragement). Though by the end of the set each band member (and many in the audience) were visibly soaked with sweat, it did little to change the fact that nearly everyone involved in the show was grinning from ear to ear. 

While I may believe that neon tights, headbands and acid-wash should have stayed in the '80s where we buried them, I am at least glad that a few synthesizers made the journey to the present day.   

 

Cut Copy's Myspace

Cut Copy's Website

More photos from the show

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Location Info: 7th Street Entry
Artist Info: Cut Copy

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