Cut Copy returns from the land down under

80s-inspired, new wave, electro masters Cut Copy have put forth immaculately produced, catchy dance albums for the masses since their conception in 2001. Their streak of success continues with the brand new, 2011, release of Zonoscope, a relaxed and downright fun album exuding the vibe that the guys of Cut Copy had just as much of a blast recording it as your ears will thank you while listening to it.

A band hailing from Australia, Cut Copy’s first two albums actually focused on landmark inspirations like David Bowie to mix into their electronic based sound. With Zonoscope, the Bowie influence remains to coat the album with '80s stardust that will have you ready to bust out those zebra-print spandex shorts hiding in your closet – don’t pretend like it doesn’t exist, kids.

Keyboards and a sampler sequencer bring the tracks to life, producing a sound that is upbeat, off-kilter rhythmically but undeniably easy to get stuck in your head, thus providing the perfect soundtrack for any dance party on your agenda, whether it be planned or just busting out moves in impromptu fashion. Two tracks gaining hype and acclaim are “Need You Now” and “Take Me Over,” the opening two songs on the album. The sound is akin to that of their previous albums, especially 2008’s In Ghost Colors, which features a perfectly processed electric backdrop for alternative funk drums and experimental keyboard ventures.

Some of the less talked-about tracks, however, will certainly get your ears buzzing as well. “Where I’m Going” sounds like a mash of everything good about 70s and 80s music. Not only does the track supply tribal drums and a tambourine, but the steady bass and group lyrical chanting throughout make it one of the most fun tracks to jump around to. Not to mention the synth keyboard pops up here and then to remind us that yes, we’re still listening to Cut Copy and not The Beach Boys mixed with The Who and Best Coast (but hey, I wouldn’t complain about that collaboration).

“Strange Nostalgia For The Future” acts as a brief, ethereal interlude at the middle of Zonoscope, providing two minutes of electro-twee sound to compliment the harmonic whispers of Cut Copy’s lead vocalist, Dan Whitford. Following the “interlude” is one of the strongest tracks on the album, “This Is All We’ve Got.” It’s the most successful effort Cut Copy puts forth with combining their previous electro sound with the newer, more relaxed and easy-going vibe.

Previous listeners of Cut Copy might be surprised to hear such a departure from the tight, precise synth that put them on the map, but the sound these guys build when taking their genre a little less seriously and musically coloring outside the lines is brilliant.

Zonoscope is a breath of fresh air for Cut Copy. They’ve managed to find the perfect balance of classic and evolving sounds that is honestly good from start to finish. It’s rare to find albums you can listen to in their entirety over and over, but Zonoscope seamlessly embodies a unified sound despite combining new and unique beats to dollop on their trademarked sound.