CUT COPY w BLACK KIDS
May 9, 2008
Phoenix Concert Theatre

As mentioned earlier in the month, I've been ridiculously obsessed with Cut Copy for the last month. Their latest disc In Ghost Colours is by far my favourite album of 2008 thus far, and their debut Bright Like Neon Love is an instant classic in my books. Needless to say, I was really excited for the show last night.

Fern and I got to the venue just before 11pm, missed The Mobius Band's entire set (which I regret after listening to their tunes on their myspace) and had to battle the massive crowd to get to the back of the venue to make our way to our usual spot on the balcony. The venue was packed, busier than I have seen it in a long time. And from the moment Black Kids began their set, it seemed that the crowd was more there to be seen than to pay attention to the show. Had a really difficult time hearing the band, the audience chatter was loud and the music needed a good volume boost. Like most, I've only heard and know 4 songs from Black Kids' EP Wizards of Ahhhs. The 4 songs were the definite standouts in their set, partially because I knew them and also because I could barely hear and comprehend the new stuff. With regards to their new material: what I do remember is that the 50's Motown girl group backing vocals are still present, and lead singer/guitarist Reggie Youngblood's guitar work is amazing. But people needed to shut up and listen.

Cut Copy's set was spellbinding. They played an equal mix of tunes from both releases and stuck to the move dance-able stuff. The first thing that noticed was how much the band sounds like New Order live. Lead singer Dan Whitford is a mesmerizing front man, he has the rockstar swagger and schoolboy charm to captivate the audience's attention. They played Lights and Music, Out There On the Ice, Unforgettable Season (amazing shoegaze guitars!) and my favourites Time Stands Still and Futures. Only downside: the mix for their entire set was a bit off, their drums weren't loud enough and their overall sound was a bit muffled, not as crisp as Hot Chip a couple weeks ago. These guys deserve to be huge, their super tight live and have the tunes to back up the hype. Check them out next time they come through town.