Cut Copy Needs You Now
By Eric Hehr in Arts & Entertainment on Sep 24, 2011 9:00PM
Cut Copy at The Riviera Theater. Photo by Ani Katz
Based on the glossy, synthesized sound of their past two albums - 2008’s In Ghost Colours and 2011’s Zonoscope - it is easy to assume that a Cut Copy show would consist of a few stoic Australian guys standing behind synthesizers; occasionally pushing buttons, mostly looking hipper-than-thou. However, unlike their slick recordings, Cut Copy’s live show thrives on a primal energy that is far more humanistic than it is synthetic. With upwards of four band-members alternating between a variety of synthesizers, guitars, and Afro-Caribbean-based additional percussion, Cut Copy takes all of the electronic elements of their music and blends them with raw, organic musicianship, creating a distinct hybrid of human and machine; simulated dance music and arena-sized pop.
Throughout an 80-minute blur of flashing L.E.D flights and pulsating sub-bass, Cut Copy blurred the line between a rock show and a rave. The steadfast energy of lead singer, Dan Whitford, kept the near-capacity crowd at The Riviera Theater pumping their fist and insistently dancing. The band ended their set with a two-song encore, which included a lively rendition of “Need You Now,” the vivacious opening track of Zonoscope. Even as the band exited the stage, cuing the flash of house lights, the packed crowd continued to chant and applaud with unwavering energy, leading to a spontaneous double-encore of fan-favorite, “Lights & Music.”
Cut Copy at The Riviera Theater. Photo by Ani Katz
It is hard to come across a live performance that is so powerful and captivating that it has the ability to unify thousands of people into an amalgamation of pure, unadulterated excitement. But when it happens, it’s euphoric. These fleeing states of momentary ecstasy are reminders of music’s ability to evoke emotions within us that otherwise have no other outlet. And while this may only occur a handful of times in the life of an avid concertgoer, you can guarantee it will occur every time Cut Copy comes through town.