Since releasing “In Ghost Colours” in 2008, Cut Copy has slowly been achieving more and more mainstream success. Its latest album, “Free Your Mind,” proves the band is only continuing to move forward. On its new record, Cut Copy has flawlessly created songs reminiscent of ’80s dance and pop music and, as a four-person electronic band, has been able to accomplish feats that other solo electronic artists simply cannot. Its size enables it to be flexible in its production, since — unlike many other electronic artists — the band has a drummer, guitarist and bass player both, in and out of the studio.
Cut Copy was first formed in 2001 in Melbourne, Australia. The band consists of keyboardist, guitarist and lead vocalist Dan Whitford — the band’s founder — along with Tim Hoey on guitar and sampler, Ben Browning on bass guitar and Mitchell Scott on drums.
Since the band’s conception, it has released four LPs and a number of EPs. Cut Copy has also performed at various international venues, demonstrating a worldwide breakthrough. Another indicator of the band’s rising fame has been its presence at numerous award shows, including the 2012 Grammy Awards, where it received a nomination for Best Dance/Electronica Release, and the 2011 ARIA Music Awards, where the band won Best Dance Release.
To this day, “In Ghost Colours” remains its biggest commercial success, although “Free Your Mind” definitely has the potential to measure up. Right from the get-go, Cut Copy starts off strong on the album’s second song and title track, “Free Your Mind.” Here, the band displays its true nature with upbeat rhythms and chords, as well as floating vocals, which are integrated fluidly throughout the nearly five-minute tune. However, “Free Your Mind” almost pales in comparison to “In Memory Capsule,” the album’s seventh track, which features increased vocal variety and a more classic Cut Copy sound than the single. Indeed, this number sounds like it could be straight from “In Ghost Colours,” something that will surely delight longtime fans.
“Dark Corners & Mountain Tops” gives listeners a taste of Cut Copy’s more mellow side, while also demonstrating the band’s affinity for trippy music. Drifting vocals are the main focus until the upbeat bass sound that Cut Copy enthusiasts so dearly love suddenly makes an appearance, causing “Dark Corners & Mountain Tops” to take a completely different turn. This unusual track exemplifies Cut Copy’s ability keep its listeners curious, constantly guessing where a song will lead. After a short interlude, “Meet Me in a House of Love” begins. After a steady, rhythmic first few minutes, full of bass and layered with trumpet sounds — something not entirely uncommon in the band’s catalog — there comes a low-tempo break, which helps to slow the otherwise fast-paced piece.
While the songs on “Free Your Mind” are certainly catchy alone, Cut Copy excels in making the 14 tracks into a cohesive unit, with each track on “Free Your Mind” flowing almost seamlessly into the next. Many of the songs on the album are really just interludes, allowing the band to effortlessly alter the mood in less than a minute. Indeed, Whitford’s songwriting ability, along with the other members’ musical talents have made “Free Your Mind” a true work of art.
Cut Copy will be playing at Boston’s House of Blues on Nov. 16. General admission is $22.50 and more information can be found at the group’s website, www.cutcopy.net.
