The problem with many dance-rock bands is they either suffer from an overkill of irony or don’t have enough funk. Or both. Cut Copy’s second New York City show this week proved why so many aficionados of the genre have gone ga-ga over these Aussies. Brandishing songs about love and relationships from their recently release, In Ghost Colours, the four-piece outfit clearly have an easygoing stage presence and chops up the wazoo.

From the moment they took the stage at the Bowery Ballroom, the band kept the party going with an onslaught of irresistible booty shakers. The sentimental “Hearts on Fire” was a particular standout, and songs from 2004’s Bright Like Neon Love still sounded fresh and relevant. By the time they segued into their closing number, Cut Copy had the crowd pogoing in unison.

Where so many have tried (and failed) to merge the disparate worlds of dance and rock, Cut Copy have figured out how to balance the best of both worlds, while creating a singular sound that continues to blossom.

Keep on playing that funky music, Cut Copy.

Photos by Darren Ressler