Cut Copy - 'Bright Like Neon Love' (Modular) Released 09/05/05

International label mates and kindred spirits with fellow Aussie electronic pranksters The Avalanches, with ‘Bright Like Neon Love’ Cut Copy are vying for their own niche in the fairly crowded electro-pop market. While the trio could be accused of failing to produce a record that reaches the same peaks as The Avalanches’ sublime ‘Since I Left You’, or failing to crack into any new musical boundaries, undeniably they have created a pretty damn decent pop record.

A concept album of sorts, ‘… Neon Love’ is a self-confessed ode to crux member Dan Whitford’s favourite acts – ELO, New Order, Depeche Mode and Interpol to name but a few. Indeed, listening to the album renders the listener incessantly name-checking bands in a bid to source the various tracks. Acts Gigwise managed to cite range from Buggles (you know, of ‘Video Killed The Radio Star’ fame), Kraftwerk (obviously), and on ‘Bright Neon Payphone’ sprawling post-rockers My Bloody Valentine. But predominantly, however, the album is cheery candyfloss electro-pop that owes a hell of a lot to French electronica pioneers such as Cassius and early Daft Punk.

The swirling ‘Time Stands Still’ and the decidedly Fischerspooner-eque ‘Future’ set the incessantly optimistic tone that pervades throughout. Elsewhere, the electro carnival that is ‘Saturday’ ups the tempo, while the more ambient ‘Autobahn Music Box’ is the bastardised sound of Joy Division meets Fleetwood Mac, on acid of course. But amongst all this frivolity there are a couple of weak moments, namely the reprises of ‘Saturday’ and ‘That Was Just Dream’ that are merely continuations of the preceding track. Fortunately, all can be forgiven as the brilliantly playful ‘Bright Neon Payphone’ and the wistful ‘A Dream’ bring things to a close buoyantly. 

With their debut album, Cut Copy have crafted an unchallenging yet immensely enjoyable work. For anyone that loves Mylo’s record or was bitterly disappointed by the absolute turd of an album that Daft Punk have recently produced, ‘Bright Like Neon Love’ will nestle safely in your collection.