Long awaited, Cut Copy took to the stage for Night At The Parkland last Saturday (13 September). They brought enthusiastic high energy for their fans, who had waited since September 2023 for their Brisbane return.
Playing new songs and old, they blended well to create a non-stop party mix. 'Far Away' took me back to my rides home on the school bus in 2008. That was followed seamlessly by a brand new 2025 track, 'Solid'. A new experience to me, but its lo-fi breakbeat feel on the drums was a pleasant delight.
Halfway through the set, during instrumental 'Zap Zap', the band (and entire crowd) danced uncontrollably. The song was building with looping guitar/ drum beats and electro swells, which built tension.
Led by frontman Dan Whitford, he ran right to the front of the stage. He pumped his hands and jumped high. Guitarist Tim Hoey spun and kicked whilst still playing those guitar loops. Bassist Ben Browning stood 12-feet tall atop the kick drum, hands in the air with a shaking tambourine.
Image © Kalem Horn
The song had its beat drop. Ben jumped down to drummer Mitchell Scott. Slam went the cymbals as he whacked his tambourine on them to the beat. The band spun and danced, crowd pumped and jumped. A perfect recipe of lights, dance and music.
A well deserved clap to the video crew. I don't want to understate that I was very impressed. It was the best I had seen in some time, rivalling much larger shows like Splendour In The Grass.
That team worked far harder than they had to. Steady handheld movements, rolling zooms, pans, tilts, sometimes all in one shot, constantly looking for the next interesting angle. Switcher and director blended each transition between cameras. It felt like I was watching a TV recording.
Cut Copy started many years ago as a homegrown, authentic, DIY project; and I feel like those roots still shine through. It felt like the band was incredibly thankful to be there and I was too.
Image © Kalem Horn
The friendly demeanour of Cut Copy and their music created a welcoming and relaxing environment for all ages to just enjoy themselves.
To strobing lights, Cut Copy played their biggest hit 'Lights & Music'. The audience knew every lyric. Lights relentlessly strobed to what was a lovely, friendly, energetic, long awaited dance.
More photos from the concert.
