Cut CopyHaiku From Zero
Astralwerks / EMI / Universal

- About ten years ago Australian record label Modular was the home to some of the greatest electro-rock-fusion in the world; disrupting the globe, they dominated the dance-floors, festivals and even their own headlining tours. A few noteworthy amongst the elite were Ladyhawke, Van She, The Presets and the mighty Cut Copy. This era helped cement the future of Cut Copy in the indie-dance scene, unifying a fanbase that has stuck by them and grown ever since. So it is with great anticipation that I, one of those fans, celebrate them once again.

After a four year siesta the Melbourne lads have returned with their fifth record, resonating their signature sounds that have kept them a crowd favourite since their debut EP, I Thought of Numbers in 2001. The album is scaled down to nine solid tracks, which at first seems like we’re being ripped off considering that their last two albums averaged around thirteen. However, once played, I understand this logic, because whilst those releases are amazing, they could have shelved a few of the fillers, especially on Free Your Mind. On Haiku From Zero by contrast, almost every song could be issued as a single, all except the final electronic prog number ...or could it be? Time will tell. But for now, time has instead directed us back to a previous incarnation of the band. Haiku From Zero, is like a homage to their first three LPs, cutting back on the deep house heard on the last release, opting more for the winning formula emulated but never bettered by so many other Modular releases.

Opening track, Standing in the Middle of the Field, sets the mood to perfection, with its perpetual jungle beat married to the words of letting love go, “Holding on but holding on is hurt / You've gotta give up the things you love to make it better”. Once you’re ready to move on from the heartbreak, it’s time for the new-wavish number, Counting DownDan Whitford’s vocals shine way up there and bright, hitting all the highs and lows like a pro in a nail biting tennis duel. This energy simmers across the whole record, presenting banger after banger; but if I had to choose three favourites I would go with the odd numbers, three, five and seven. Black Rainbows mirrors the same surging power that was provided on Take Me OverAirborne has that infectious high-pitched chorus, “Love don’t stop me”, whilst Memories We Share plunges you into the vortex of classic Cut Copy devices: narcotic synth arpeggiators, indie dance drums, a pulsating bass guitar and of course, user friendly lyrics fit for a crowd to chant.

Once I reached the end f the record my only real complaint was the praise I made earlier about the album's length. Couldn’t it have done with just one more anthem? I guess the fellas are holding out for a deluxe version featuring companion remixes to extend their universe. That’s totally fine with me, because right now I have forty-two minutes and thirteen seconds of indie dance bliss.

- Luke Doig.

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