Gyroscope, Closure In Moscow,City Riots @ The Zoo(16/11/2011)

Mon 28th Nov, 2011 in Gig Reviews

Openers City Riots are quickly building a name for themselves through a combination of hard work and catchy indie-rock tunes. With a seemingly endless flow of support gigs throughout 2011, the Adelaide four piece have become well rehearsed at putting a short but impressive performance. This evening was no exception and they no doubt gained some new fans after their entertaining set.

Up next are Closure In Moscow, who immediately draw the attention of the crowd through frontman Christopher de Cinque’s exuberant outfit and dramatic stage presence. Obviously adverse to the Brisbane heat, Cinque was wearing a gold jacket, extremely tight jeans and a headband as he strutted across the stage, leaving the band as more of a back-up to his showman performance. This was disappointing as their talent and cohesion as a band far outshone Cinque’s questionable dancing and at times ear splitting vocal wailing. There is no doubt that Closure in Moscow have their fans but at tonight’s show where everyone in attendance was there for the headliner they weren’t particularly well received.

This is forgotten as Gyroscope take to the stage and instantly live up to their reputation as one of our finest live rock bands. Opening with Driving For The Storm, early highlights included 1981 and What Do I Know About Pain? with a shirtless Daniel Sanders getting the crowd jumping around from the first chord.

The Zoo is notorious for its lack of ventilation and air-conditioning but even on this hot November evening the punters continued to mosh, no matter how sweaty they became. Sexxxy and Dream vs. Scream provided long time fans with favourites they haven’t heard for some time but the highlight was without a doubt their Fast Girl/Beds Are Burning mash-up. It has become a staple of their live show and one that never fails to get the crowd singing along.

The band kept the sing-a-long going with their biggest single Snakeskin before wrapping up with Don’t Look Now But I Think I’m Sweating Blood. As the couple of hundred punters at the show poured out into the streets of the valley, there was no doubt that was one of the best rock shows The Zoo has seen this year. After almost fifteen years as a band, the boys from Gyroscope still have it.

This evening’s gig is a part of their Choose Your Own Adventure Tour which has given the fans a chance to select the band’s setlist online prior to the show. Hats off to Gyroscope fans for getting involved and choosing a setlist that varied, from old favourites to newer singles. Although this takes away one of the thrills of seeing a band live, it was a perfect way for long time fans of the band to see some songs that haven’t been performed for quite some time, something the band themselves were genuinely grateful for.