reviewed by Andrew Lunny
A sold out Commodore Ballroom played host to two of Australia’s biggest electropop groups this past Thursday, with both Cut Copy and The Presets bringing the house down. On the last date of their North American tour, the Aussies went out with a bang.
First on the bill were London duo Heartbreak. Without the high profile of the two leading acts, the two didn’t have much of the crowd on the floor, but those who were were in for a treat. Heartbreak’s brand of upbeat laptop pop brought a big dose of disco to Vancouver, setting the crowd up for the headliners.
Although Cut Copy were the on the top of the bill, the Commodore was already filled by the time The Presets came on stage – a sign that they had almost as much of a following. The hundreds on the dancefloor were kept moving throughout the generous length of the set. Frontman Julian Hamilton’s energetic display livened up the songs most familiar to the crowd – “Are You The One?,” “My People,” and “Talk Like That” chief among them – while Kim Moyes laid down the beats. An excellent set, that would have graced any show.
Cut Copy last played Vancouver in April at Richard’s on Richards shortly after the release of their superb In Ghost Colours album. That, six months later, they could sell out the significantly larger Commodore Ballroom is a measure of the album’s excellence, that has swelled their already substantial fanbase. The set itself was very similar to that played at Richards – pitch-perfect renditions of most of the great tracks on In Ghost Colours – “Far Away,” “Lights and Music,” “Unforgettable Season” et al – along with older favorites like “Time Stands Still” and “Saturdays.” Seeing these guys live is such a treat that even fans who saw the previous show will have been blown away – amazing songs played with a gusto that’s what live music is all about.
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