Bright Lights Big Sound

Cut Copy’s debut may make you yearn for the days when John Hughes ruled the Cineplex. While current bands like She Wants Revenge and Franz Ferdinand have a modern take on new wave music , Bright Like Neon Love looks and sounds like it was recorded 25 years ago.

Too young to enjoy the 1980’s the first time, this Australian quartet has embraced the era’s sound. They’ve reintroduced long forgotten hooks and beats that are similar to those of bands like Joy Division and Echo & The Bunnymen. You’ll find yourself matching each of their songs to those of their predecessors.

Not every track is memorable, but there are some that stand out like “Time Stands Still.” With monotone vocals and synthesized dance beats, this track sounds very much like a scaled down New Order song. “Going Nowhere” is just as brooding, with lyrics like, “Help me now before it’s too late/Now what do I care?/’Cause we’re going nowhere.” The dreamlike, synth-heavy “Autobahn Music Box” is the most touching song. The chorus hums, “I’m sorry, baby, for what I did to you.”

The upbeat track, “Bright Like Neon Love,” is exuberant and youthful. Lead singer Dan Whitford’s voice is far from monotone as he sings, “I don’t wanna wake up dearly missing you/I don’t wanna grow up/I just wanna be with you.” Unlike the other songs, it’s a more organic, rock-driven track with heavy guitar and drums. It sounds like a completely different band.

Inevitably, some will see Cut Copy as a glorified tribute band, but they’re not. Their CD stands on its own. Bright Like Neon Love may not be monumental, but it’s a lot of fun.