Cut Copy free the minds of a full house at Fox Theater Oakland

Photos by James Nagel // Written by Molly Kish //

Cut Copy //
Fox Theater Oakland – Oakland
November 2nd, 2013 //

A sold-out crowd at the Fox Theater Oakland welcomed Cut Copy to the stage this past Saturday night. The fifth stop of their world tour, promoting their brand-new album Free Your Mind released November 5th, the Melbourne-based band played their only scheduled Northern California date at the historic venue. Openers Larry Gus and Kauf ignited the electric crowd, firing up the jam-packed floor section before the highly anticipated headliners. Both acts focused around live vocals layered over mid-tempo dance jams, coaxing the packed theater into a perfect pre-show groove by the time the Aussie four-piece took the stage.

Coming on strong in expected Cut Copy fashion, the guys opened the night with the title track off their new album, “Free Your Mind”. The pulsating single ignited the ecstatic crowd with its rhythmic percussion and chanting “Summer of Love” based chorus. Delving into old favorites off of their three previous albums, the audience filled in literally every open space in general admission to be a part of the tier-expanding dance pit, singing along and smiling blissfully. Highlights of the set including the bands’ archetypal hits such as “Hearts on Fire” and “Far Away” off 2008’s In Ghost Colors and Zonoscope stand out cuts “Take Me Over” and “Need You Now”, sending the venue into a euphoric frenzy.

Cut Copy’s stage set up, although minimalist in design, gave way to their luminous stage show, enhancing the band’s dramatic dance moves and perfectly syncing to the beat of the set. Lasers peaked out from behind and surrounded the band’s various synthesizers, keys and percussion instruments, washing beautiful colors over around the perimeter of the textured venue. The gorgeous light show was effective at working with Cut Copy’s sound to help activate a transcendental state of bliss.

Playing nearly 90 minutes, Cut Copy finished up the evening with the encore-solidifying favorite, “Light’s and Music”. Satisfying loyal fans while catering to recent converts alike, the band played an all-encompassing mix of their material. Dan Whitford and Ben Browning in particular projected a stage presence that was fun and upbeat, encouraging the crowd to give back physical displays of happiness to match the group’s impeccable sound. This is definitely an act not to miss over the next year when they come to a venue near you.