Gyroscope @ Rosemount Hotel,Perth (02/12/11)

Tue 6th Dec, 2011 in Gig Reviews

Perth was treated to some prime sounds from the Gyroscope boys as they once again proved that their live tunes far outpace anything heard on commercial radio.

First support act I, Said the Sparrow were a lively bunch, mixing fast pace, high energy beats with some very clever sample work.

A tight unit held together by well known Perth drummer Clint Gatter, the sounds emanating from the stage were upbeat enough to get the crowd moving, with just the right amount of pop to rock ratio. The way the guitarist was hitting himself in the head did leave a few people questioning his sanity, though certainly not his skill levels. Confident frenetic music that had most die-hard fans singing along from the start, this band is one to watch out for.

Surprise act of the evening was Arts Martial in their first gig in ten months. Their long absence from the stage was no issue for punters as the boys wowed the crowd in a sort of jubilant celebration of their return. Winners of Next Big Thing, they played the crowd right as any classic rock band should. There were plenty of hooks to be had and the venue was at capacity for this four-piece.

Early on in their set they established a solid interaction with the audience and both sides clearly enjoyed the result. The stage, although small, happily fit this band like a glove and all sides were happy campers, especially rocking out to crowd favourite Sugar with intensely catchy lyrics delivered with a sassy, brashy confidence, Arts Martial is pub entertainment at its finest. If you can, get your hands on their single and have a listen. Happiness guaranteed.

It was a long hot night for those waiting for Gyroscope but well worth it. Twenty minutes or so behind schedule and hot enough to discard shirts on stage, the boys entered to thick, riotous applause and instantly set about wooing the audience with their usual stage presence. Production wise, the light show was good, or as good as it needed to be on a stage that size with a band that really didn’t need any extra pizzazz.

Only downside? Sadly the sound was up way too loud and those in the front were grateful for the cheap earplugs on sale behind the bar. Biggest saving grace, despite the distortion was that the crowd sang word for word throughout the entire gig, making the night a memorable one for all concerned. Plenty of dirty guitar hooks, mixed with some definitive breakdowns and the crowd were always completely absorbed.

Daniel Sanders jumping into the pit? It seemed like a good thing and was certainly appreciated by those at the front. High energy, good times for all, old and new fans alike.