"Zonoscope," the title of Cut Copy's latest album, is not a real word. Instead, the title most likely refers to a "sonoscope," a diagnostic tool used to listen to car engines in order to identify certain problems. It is a title which appropriately brings to mind images of Cut Copy literally cracking the hood of its sound and finding ways to improve it for the album. The concept of an improvement from its second album "In Ghost Colours" is quite tantalizing, and this Australian quartet has actually improved on its last album.
At first glance, it feels like more of the same. Cut Copy is still building complex, heavily textured compositions with a patience and professionalism that is subtle and delightful. But now the group knows just how much it can get out of the studio. This change is clearly identifiable in the newfound confidence that breathes life into every track.
The high point of the album is the closer, "Sun God." Running just over 15 minutes, it's a great risk, and the track certainly does not begin as some transcendental work of synth-pop. But at the five-minute mark, the defining moment of the composition comes to life as the synths take over and everything else drops out. Carefully, more and more synth voices chime in, trying to decide what to do next. Finally, a bass line kicks in, reassuring everything else with a steady, even rhythm. From here on, it's Cut Copy's dance as synthetic sonic texture spirals in and out over a spellbinding eight minutes. This is their proclamation for the future.
