Australian dance rockers Cut Copy have revealed that baggy legends Happy Mondays were an influence on their new album.

Signed to Modular, Cut Copy's last album 'In Ghost Colours' was a stunning affair. A kaleidoscope of dance-rock filtered through modern production, it led to extended touring for the group.

Returning to the studio last year, Cut Copy are now almost ready to release their new album. Due to be released in January, the record doesn't have a title yet although the band have admitted who have been inspiring them.

Speaking to Pitchfork, guitarist Dan Whitford explained that Cut Copy were influenced by some decidedly non-dance material during recording sessions. "I was obsessed with Fleetwood Mac's Tusk while working on this record- a lot of the Lindsey Buckingham tracks have a proto-80s African feel."

"Also Talking Heads, Slave to the Rhythm by Grace Jones, and Malcolm McLaren's Duck Rock album. And a lot of acid house era, post-rave indie music like Happy Mondays and Primal Scream."

Say again? Happy Mondays?

It seems that Cut Copy have attracted some famous admirers, with the Australian group recently being invited on tour with Lady Gaga. "It was one of those weird moments where you're not sure whether to burn the letter or frame it and put it on your wall" Whitford explained.

"We were simultaneously repulsed but also tantalized by the idea of touring with her for a whole year. It is funny how you can write off some huge, ultra-popular musician, but if you find out they actually like your music, you're like, "Oh, well maybe they're all right!" To be honest, I don't listen to the radio at all. I get a lot of stuff online and the rest is all old records. I don't really know her music that well."

Cut Copy's new album is due for release in January.