Gigantic - Some SuburbanRoad

Wed 13th Jul, 2005 in Music Reviews

I’m about half-way through listening to Some Suburban Road, Gigantic’s second EP release and I’m starting to think the band could do with an extra member.

The songs on Some Suburban Road have potential but on all bar End Transmission, the EP’s closing track, this Perth three-piece fails to realise that potential. It’s the kind of indie-pop typical of Perth’s scene over the years, but what’s missing is that edge that sets it apart from the rest.

The standout performer here is guitarist Drew Michael, who is responsible for 100% of the hooks and makes many of the dull moments a little easier to bear, particularly on Mr Sound. One can only guess where the band took its name from, but my money is on the Pixies tune: Michael’s guitar parts are reminiscent of Joey Santiago’s and give the songs a little uniqueness.

The drumming on Some Suburban Road is not spectacular, but it’s tight and it does the job. The weak link is bassist and vocalist Mark Di Renzo. Some bassists can handle the added responsibility of vocals, but both Di Renzo’s vocals and basslines are unadventurous and predictable and the songs only build when he isn’t held back by vocal duties.

The members of Gigantic have shown enough potential on this EP, but until they break a few more rules they’ll just be some suburban band.