WATCHING THE TAPE: Cutouts Is 2025’s Best Kept Darkwave Secret

2025 • 4AD • DARKWAVE / INDIE

One of my favorite records of 2025 flew under the radar of some notable outlets—Stereogum, Pitchfork, Consequence of Sound, NME, just to name check a few. Cutouts, the solo project of Alex Mackay, bassist of soaring indie darling Nation of Language, showcases his bass and synth skills in a way that stretches far beyond the bubblegum, radio-friendly sound of his main band. Instead, Mackay dives headfirst into industrial, punk, and darkwave territory, spreading his creative wings.

Alex’s musical journey began in the Bay Area at just 11 years old, and since 2014, he’s bounced between various bands in the NYC scene before launching Cutouts. Over the past decade, Cutouts has taken on different forms but remained a consistent creative focus for Alex. Interestingly, the project opened for Nation of Language in 2020, which is how he first connected with the band. By 2022, he officially joined as a full-time member and has been a mainstay ever since.

For the record, I love Nation of Language. But while NoL leans into polished pop sensibilities, Cutouts has teeth—raw, lo-fi, and unapologetically gritty. And that’s a good thing. Fans of Nation of Language will likely appreciate Alex’s “side quest,” even though it’s less polished and production-heavy. This is lo-fi done right. While NoL benefits from more resources and a larger platform, Cutouts is far from a half-baked side project. Alex has been crafting and refining these tracks for years, and this debut album is a carefully curated showcase of his talent.

The Cutouts project draws inspiration from a wide range of art and influences: the music of Underworld, Suicide, Portishead, John Carpenter, and DFA Records; the visual works of Astrid Terrazas (who designed the single and album artwork icons) and Madison Carroll (who shot the album cover); and the writings of Anne Carson, William S. Burroughs, and Thomas Pynchon. Together, these influences form a rich creative tapestry that makes Cutouts a standout debut.

Highlight Reel

OPENING TRACK: "Narc" 

Narc sets the tone for the record, pulling you into its dark, brooding world. It leads seamlessly into Sore, a track with cleaner vocals and a more vulnerable, straightforward vibe. This is the kind of song you could imagine playing at a hipster coffee shop or Urban Outfitters. Lyrically, it’s packed with tension and emotional complexity. Lines like: "Sell you all out / I'll tell you my secret / Not enough love? / How 'bout a pick-me-up" convey a lack of trust, a sense of betrayal, or even impending doom. The refrain, "I'm a narc for your love," suggests an obsessive, addictive quality to the narrator’s feelings, as if they’re willing to expose themselves for love. The juxtaposition continues with: "Lean in close / I'll show you what you wanna see / I'm not pretty / I just know how to work the angles." This line hints at a relationship built on smoke and mirrors, where both parties might be playing games. The tension is palpable, and the song absolutely slaps.

"Paw of the Monkey"'

Sonically, Paw of the Monkey reminds me of Empire of the Sun at times, especially in the vocal delivery. The tempo is upbeat, and the synths borrow from Vega Intl. Night School—Neon Indian’s best record, in my opinion. There’s a constant tension in the track, with the percussion and synths playing off each other beautifully.

Lyrically, it’s a fun, mysterious journey:
"If you want to get away, I know somewhere / I can take you there / They call this place / The Paw of the Monkey."
It feels like an invitation to an adventure, with just enough risk to keep things exciting. This is probably my favorite track on the album.

"Path of Totality" and "Firstborn"

Path of Totality serves as the perfect interlude, slowing things down after the brooding Paw of the Monkey. It transitions smoothly into Firstborn, an erratic, head-bopping track that feels like it belongs in a montage from the cult classic Nightbreed (1990).

Much of this record is mood music—perfect for a night out, wearing your best leather, cruising the town. Firstborn builds layers upon layers, culminating in a scream toward the end: "I think you’re going to take it." It’s a powerful moment that ties into the album’s larger themes. Honestly, this might be my favorite track.

"Bloodsucker"

Bloodsucker is a complete downshift in tempo. It’s raw, minimal, and clean, with no distortion. The layered vocals, keys, bass, and rhythm section remind me of Grizzly Bear—if Grizzly Bear were getting busy in a back alley. The lyrics are simpler but no less intense:
"Plug my ears so I can't hear you cry out 'til I've had enough."
This line conveys obsession and aggression, as if the narrator is so consumed by their own desires that they block out the consequences. The playful yet haunting refrain, "Ooh la la la / Do I terrify you?" acknowledges their power and the fear they inspire. It’s dark, but it works.

"Zeke"

With Zeke, we get fuzzed-out guitars front and center. This track is a departure from the rest of the album, leaning into psych-rock territory. It’s fun, consistent, and takes me back to early Pond—think Beard, Wives, Denim for my fellow Pond heads.

"Hydra"

Hydra brings us back to synth brass tacks. This instrumental track ventures into disco territory, reminiscent of Holy Ghost! during their Crime Cutz era. It’s one of the most accessible tracks on the album—a disco dancefloor anthem that dares you not to move your body.

"Cowgirl"

The only track featuring a guest vocalist, Cowgirl slows things down again. It’s sexy, intentional, and layered. Mackay’s bass work shines here, even though it’s often overshadowed by the synths in the mix.

Tomberlin, the guest vocalist, delivers a verse that explores the tension between being a source of strength and grappling with the inevitability of endings. The song balances resilience with vulnerability, creating a bittersweet, reflective moment.

"The Roadshow"

The album closes with The Roadshow, a stripped-down track featuring just vocals and keys. It’s a bittersweet farewell—not only to the album but to the journey it takes you on. Mackay is really dropping bars on this one; the song reflects a sacrifice: the narrator shielding a loved one in their shared “cocoon” before stepping back into the public eye, the “roadshow.” It’s an intimate, poignant ending to a deeply personal record.

Huddle Up

Cutouts isn’t just a side project—it’s a bold, raw, and fascinating personal exploration of Alex Mackay’s creative range. From the brooding intensity of Narc to the disco-tinged pulse of Hydra, this record takes risks that pay off in spades. It’s not Nation of Language, and it’s not trying to be. Instead, it’s a lo-fi, gritty journey that stands firmly on its own. If you’re looking for something with edge, mood, and a touch of the unexpected, Snakeskin is the record you didn’t know you needed. Don’t let this one fly under your radar.

NBA COMP: 2009 DARKO MILIČIĆ

Slept on, really in his bag, expanding his arsenal.