HomeFeatures Scene Showcase: Cut Copy, Black Kids, Mobius Band
Scene Showcase: Cut Copy, Black Kids, Mobius Band
Written by Rob van Alstyne
Monday, May 5, 2008 at 05:02 PM
Cut Copy
A digitally driven dance-pop fest should have the 7th St. Entry shaking this Tuesday night with a triple bill featuring Aussie ’80s throwbacks Cut Copy, UK buzz band of the moment who are actually American Black Kids, and the somewhat unsung but still totally awesome Brooklyn trio Mobius Band. Headlining the affair is Cut Copy, a band surging into the spotlight courtesy of Pitchfork props and the DFA’s stamp of approval/production assistance for their just released sophomore album In Ghost Colours . I initially resisted the charms of this album because of the degree to which lead singer Dan Whitford’s icy croon recalled Depeche Mode’s Dave Gahan (I wanted to check the liner notes and make sure this wasn’t Gahan’s new gig), but hey, it just so happens that particular type of voice goes great with earworm-catchy synthesizer patterns. Far from electro puritan goths, Cut Copy’s music largely paints with bright tones, although it hits hardest when a few shadowy guitars are thrown into the mix, as on the superb “Unforgettable Season.”
Watch the music video for "Lights & Music" from In Ghost Colours
Giving Cut Copy a run for their money in the blogosphere love department are Jacksonville Florida’s Black Kids who have already managed to score a top 40 single in England (“I’m Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance With You”) despite not even having a proper full-length out yet. That will be remedied in July when Partie Traumatic drops on Columbia with whom the Kids just inked a deal. If Cut Copy’s touchstone appears to be Depeche Mode circa Violator with a bit of Interpol’s dark witchcraft thrown into the mix then Black Kids provides a rawer but equally vibrant take on ’80s musical icons, with front man Reggie Youngblood’s strangled vocal dramatics and his band’s sharp hooks recalling the “manic” part of the Cure’s manic/depressive muse (think “Just Like Heaven,” “Why Can’t I Be You?” etc.).
Watch the music video for 7" single "I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You"
Kicking the night off is Brooklyn trio Mobius Band, I raved about their sophomore album Heaven on Reveille this past fall (you can read the full review here ). It still stands as one of my favorite records from the last two years and as I said back in my initial review Mobius Band has forced me to readily acknowledge that great pop can indeed come out of the marriage of man, machine and melody. Although a step removed from the “everybody dance now!” exuberance of their fellow performers on the bill MB’s impeccable arrangements and bevy of unique keyboard textures should prove every bit as compelling.
Watch the music video for "Friends LIke These" from Heaven
