The fact that that pop music seems to have very little territory left to explore doesn’t appear to be an issue to Cut Copy. The Aussies tackle their music with such jubilance that their overly-familiar aesthetic and obvious influences seem beside the point. Retro is a good look for them, but apparently the ’80s wasn’t far back enough. The first cut off their upcoming 2011 album sheds some of their new wave tendencies and dabbles in ’60s surf rock reminiscent of the Beach Boys, complete with vocal harmonizing and falsetto.
“Where I’m Going” opens with a balmy medley that slowly crescendos into a playful groove with gently surging synths and a faintly wistful melody. It’s a simple story of forgetting the past and moving on to a new adventure, though you get the impression that there’s a little pain involved in letting go. It’s endearing in its honesty. It’s also quite catchy. Oohs, whoas and yeahs make up the entire chorus, so when you can’t get it out of your head an hour later, at least you’ll know the words. The big letdown comes at the bridge, which immediately evokes The Who’s “We Won’t Get Fooled Again” in the worst way. They may not get points for originality, but Cut Copy have dropped a breezy summer tune that’s different enough from their previous work to make you a bit more curious about what else they have come up with this time around.
