Gyroscope @ Prince of Wales,Bunbury, (20/10/11)

Mon 24th Oct, 2011 in Gig Reviews

A mere five months after announcing the band would be taking a break, the boys from Gyroscope were itching to get back on the road again, announcing a handful of shows on the East and West coast of Australia. However, a show was not scheduled in their hometown, forcing many passionate fans to take a road trip to Bunbury on a Thursday night. Although the name ‘Choose your own adventure tour’ refers to the fact that fans had the opportunity to choose the setlist (Via facebook voting) the name accurately describes journey the fans had to undertake to see the much loved band on the first night of this tour.

Entry to the venue moved at a steady pace. The door staff did a surprisingly good job considering they had to check each individual name on sheet of paper according to ticket outlet. No ticket scanners were in sight. It makes you appreciate what we have in Perth.

Opening the night were Perth’s very own Wolves, who only get bigger and better each time they perform. The room’s atmosphere at the beginning of the set was static; perhaps due to the fact that punters were not prepared for the sounds that Wolves unleashed on the aural receptors. The use of disjointed rhythms, dissonant tones and tortured vocals created very dark, dramatic tunes. The use of an electric violin added to the eeriness.

The band intrigued many in the audience as they edged closer to the stage with each passing song. Even those who appeared to be disinterested in the music could not look away from the stage. They could not tear their eyes off guitarist Russell Winter whose unique dancing entertained the rapidly filling room. His short, sharp and jarring movements coincide with the beat.

The 6/8 time signature of Waltz caused some punters to bust out some classical dance moves. The dancing trend continued throughout next song Masquerade, during which two very enthusiastic punters caused a ripple effect that really loosened up the room. Wolves concluded their set with two songs that have been aired on triple J Mina and Children. At this stage, you can’t help but feel that this band are very underappreciated. Keep a close eye on them; they are destined for bigger things.

Usually the wait between bands sets is rather uninteresting. But tonight is was interesting, a little surreal, to watch Drew Goddard take on the role of instrument tech. Usually he can be spotted rocking out behind a guitar in his own band, Karnivool.

Gyroscope do not believe in grand entrances. No flashy introduction soundtrack, no lighting change. Just a casual stroll to the stage, greeting fans as they take their positions. Diving straight into older track Driving for the Storm sent the fans wild, who did not calm down for the remainder of the night. The first three songs were performed under house lights, until the third song 1981 in which lighting effects suddenly kicked in.

The gap between the stage and sound desk was no more than five meters. Punters had no choice but to be a part of the show rather than just observe it from a distance. It has been a long while since Gyroscope have played a venue so intimate that fans could chat with the band members between songs. All in attendance knew this was special gig.

Beware Wolf brought out the crowd surfers, one of whom attempted a mic grab. The crowd visibly prepared themselves to belt out the lyrics to Doctor Doctor as soon as they recognized the opening guitar riff.

The majority of songs that made up the setlist were songs that are played at seemingly every show, despite the fans having the opportunity to choose the setlist. A handful of songs such as 22 of 3, Take This for Granted, and Dream vs Scream did make the cut. Old school fans were treated to Sexxxy and Lesser Me, which, according to guitarist Zoran Trivic, had ‘not been played for five years, maybe more’.

Each member in the band has their own distinct character that they let shine on stage. Frontman Daniel Sanders loves to interact with the crowd, jump up on the barrier and shoot punters threatening glances. Bassist Brad Campbell and Zok play the rockstars, thrashing their guitars around, head banging and kicking. Even though Rob Nassif is hidden behind a drum kit, he manages to interact with the crowd, giving people eye contact and singling along with them.

It does not matter whether they are playing in front of a crowd of 10 or 10 000; they perform with the same level of intensity every single show. The band’s powerful sound and energy finally took its toll on the tiny venue, during Snakeskin when the lights were knocked out. That did not stop the band from playing with the same intensity in the pitch-black room.

Sanders is an unpredictable character, he has taken a dip in the ocean mid set and jumped off stage to play solos surrounded by a sea of fans, but the stage was too small for him to get up to his usual chaotic antics. Perhaps this is why he decided to punish the venue for no apparent reason, as he proceeded to smash his guitar through the roof. He walked away from the scene casually, leaving the guitar hanging from the ceiling. A dramatic ending to an epic set.

If the live show was not enough to satisfy the punters who made the trek to Bunbury (Who are we kidding? …it was more than enough), the Gyro boys hung around to chat, autograph and take photos with fans making the trip worthwhile.