Gyroscope - Are YouInvolved?

Sat 15th Oct, 2005 in Music Reviews

Gyroscope have never been an easy band to categorise. Especially these days when styles like emo and hardcore are at it’s peak. It seemed all too easy to just lump them in with this new trend without really listening to or understanding the band. But this band isn’t a trend. And they can’t be placed into any genre or division.

Every word can be related to, so in turn Gyroscope’s lyrics cut you when you least expect it. Their whirling sounds take you on a journey. This isn’t just music. The new album Are You Involved? follows from their debut Sound Shattering Sound. It’s undeniable that the band have grown and shifted a little since their last release, and more so from their EPs Midnight Express and Take Time. But it’s just not easy to put your finger on what makes Gyroscope’s sophomore album so different.

Like a lot of bands, they experienced a bit of a rollercoaster ride in preparation for their second album. At one point they were lining up Mark Hoppus from Blink 182 to be the producer, but as everyone should be aware, musicians are not to be relied upon. Luckily Mark Trombino stepped up, who’s previously worked with Jimmy Eat World, The Living End and Jebediah. The boys could not have been happier and even travelled to Los Angeles to record and film the clip for first single Fast Girl. Things were looking up. And they undoubtedly came out of it with an album to be proud of.

You never know what to expect with Gyroscope therefore shouldn’t be surprised. But their first single Fast Girl surpassed all expectations. They seem to have the knack of writing a good meaningful song with delicious pop hooks. Best combination ever. The remainder of the album followed suit. Singer and primary lyric writer, Daniel Sanders takes us on a journey of rough times and love. Which on the surface sounds a bit like every other band, yet Gyroscope has something else. They’ve seem to have made a name for themselves in the live circuit due to their amazing fast paced performances which sees whirls and turns and flying guitars. 

The boys also know how to write a good ballad. Sexxxy and Don’t Let the Light In show that really, they can possibly do anything. Along with the new realisation that they can also kick some arse acoustically when they performed at 78 Records in Perth with just a voice and an acoustic guitar. So it seems they don’t have to keep the kids happy with faster and more intense songs like they’ve been known to produce.

Of course with all that said, the heavier moments that we know Gyroscope for, don’t go unnoticed. The key is substance. As long as the screams and loud guitars are justified, you’ve got a good song instead of just noise. The boys have never had a problem with this, but it seems in Are You Involved? they’ve tackled that demon with more force than ever before and have continued to win. Their weapons? Melodies, hooks and the ability to get your foot tapping. No easy feat. All of Are You Involved? has shown that Gyroscope aren’t trying to make anyone but themselves happy. By not sticking to one cool fad or genre, the band stay true to themselves and in turn have secured plenty of fans. Doing whatever you want, and people digging it, every band’s dream. All in all, nothing’s ever going to be the same. Gyroscope haven’t taken a step back or forward, because they’re always been great, but a side step. If they’re on a mission to take over the world, I think they’re already halfway there.