

Cut Copy offers a soft touch with Moments.
Since 2004, Melbourne’s Cut Copy have been at the heart of the global dance-pop and synth-driven indie scene. Blending shimmering electronics with a keen sense for melody, the band has built a reputation for crafting music that is just as suited for headphones as it is for festival stages. Their catalog has consistently pushed the boundaries of electronic pop while keeping an emotional core intact. In addition to their music, their eye-catching graphic design roots and flair for visuals set them apart from other dance-pop performers. Cut Copy is more than just a band – they’re curators of a full aesthetic experience.
After five years, Cut Copy return with Moments, an album that feels both reflective and revitalized. It captures the way the band has lived through personal and collective change and channels those experiences into songs that balance emotional depth with the energy of the dance floor. A track like “Gravity” shows this balance clearly. Its production leans into shimmering 80s-inspired synth-pop, yet it is updated with a sleek and modern polish that makes it sound fresh in today’s landscape. The song is irresistibly infectious and is designed to get bodies moving, but what makes it stand out is the band’s choice to let the music breathe. Extended instrumental passages allow listeners to fully immerse themselves in the lush production, highlighting the textures, layers and attention to detail that have always been central to Cut Copy’s sound.
Songs like “Children of Fairlight” stay consistent with the overall sound of the project, carrying the same subdued 80s-inspired atmosphere that runs throughout the album. While this creates a strong sense of cohesion, it also leaves less room for surprises. A touch more variety in the production might have given the album greater contrast and made certain moments stand out more sharply. After a while, the hazy retro vibe begins to blend together, which can make some tracks feel less distinct even though they are still well crafted. The vocal performance by Dan Whitford deserves its own spotlight. His delivery may draw inspiration from the familiar tones of 80s acts, but it carries a distinct charm that keeps the music engaging. There is a smoothness and warmth to his voice that blends seamlessly with the shimmering production, pulling listeners deeper into the atmosphere of each track. Even when the instrumentals take center stage, his vocals remain a steady anchor that ties the songs together and reinforces the emotional pull of the album.
Moments ultimately feels like a record that captures where Cut Copy are now: seasoned, reflective and still deeply committed to making music that connects both emotionally and physically. It is an album that may not always push for bold reinvention, but instead leans into atmosphere, texture and subtle growth. For longtime fans, it offers a reminder of why Cut Copy became such a defining name in dance pop in the first place, while also opening a softer, more contemplative side of their sound. In the end, it proves that even after two decades the band can still find new ways to make their music resonate.
