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Gyroscope

Midnight Express (2003)
Festival Mushroom

Reviewer Rating:

Contributed by: bemused
(others by this writer | submit your own)

Published on December 30th 2003

I don't think there is anything more exciting in music then watching a young band grow. Australia's Gyroscope is one of those bands that I have seen develop from a small, basement band, into a popular indie rock band which has had several top 10 singles on Australia's most popular alternative radio station Triple J.

"Midnight Express" is Gyroscope's second EP (or 3rd if you count a privately distributed EP) and the follow-up to 2002's "Take Time". It is without doubt their best effort to date. In such a short time Gyroscope have forged a loyal following, especially in hometown Perth, and developed their own unique sound.

Gyroscope's sound is quite difficult to describe. Despite hailing from the punk scene, the band has evolved into more of a rock band. The guitar sound is always very full and quite chunky, with hard hitting drums and lyrics that are reminiscent of many alt rock bands. Probably the best comparison I can make to Gyro's sound is Boy Sets Fire (think "My Life in the Knife Trade") or Sparta. But even this is a stretch.

"Midnight Express" begins with the hard rock opener "The Lesser Me". A cool vocal effect and the constant repetitive lyrics, sung with such passion, make this a real highlight. The next two tracks "Fire Away" and "Midnight Express" are just fantastic rock tunes, the type that you would get in your car and drive to on a Sunday afternoon. The fourth track "Sharp Words" then slows the pace down a bit. It begins with just Daniel Sanders heartfelt vocals, over an acoustic guitar, before building up into a rocking chorus where the singer repeatedly cries out "I can't breathe". The final two tunes, whilst not as strong as the first 4, close out a fine EP.

I thoroughly recommend checking this band out via their site, where they have made several MP3s available. Also, be on the lookout for their debut album which is due to come out early next year.

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Anonymous (April 1, 2005)

i love cock, and gyroscope kick ass, they can lick my hairy nuts anyday yeah fuck yeah, check out the band called dwinton at www.dwinton.tk. They are fucking awesome!

Anonymous (January 13, 2004)

isn't australia part of california now?

Anonymous (January 12, 2004)

To the guy below

No. Just no.

Anonymous (January 9, 2004)

the dismemberment plan song called gyroscope is far superior than this band or anything by in flames

Anonymous (January 9, 2004)

If a band is from Australia the only song they should be singing is "Who Can It Be Now".

Anonymous (January 9, 2004)

In Flames best cd is Whoracle.

PetroBPettson (January 9, 2004)

I think Steve is great, but nothing compared to the Wild Boys. Chris Pontius makes me question my sexuality. Have you ever had a Blue Raspberry Jolly Rancher? I didn't even know they existed 'til today. Pretty good though. I found Mr. Show season 1 and 2 on DVD for $20 today. David Cross is hilarious! The Laffy Taffy in my pocket melted. Oh well. It's REALLY cold out....but not as cold as two days ago when it was REALLY REALLY REALLY cold out. The "Marble Rye" episode of seinfeld was on today. I watched it in my girlfriend's bedroom while she was in the shower. Beef-a-reeno! I made a cartoon about a suicidal robot today. One of my best friends is moving to Florida tuesday, and the next tuesday, one of my girlfriend's best friends is moving to Colorado. I wanna move to Detroit. Well, time for bed.

FortyMinutesWest (January 8, 2004)

Steve Erwin has nothing to do with In Flames, stay on topic!

Anonymous (January 7, 2004)

listen all... steve irwin should be shot.... ne one who takes this stereotypical view of australians because 1 dickhead like playing with crocs dont believe it as truth.... find some fact b4 u say shit about australia.... and back 2 the topics, gyroscope arnt the greatest but still do wat they do well... nuf said

Bleeder (January 6, 2004)

1. I am Australian

2. Sarcasm is a wonderful thing.

Anonymous (January 6, 2004)

oh that's right, i did say we were all proud of steve irwin for doing that didn't i... lighten up fuckstick!