Review Summary: For those who don't know, Gyroscope is an Aussie band that you should definitly get to know. This album is one of those reasons.
The minute you put this album I think you'll realise that you're in for something special. Providing a good mix of completely rocking songs and heartfelt softer numbers, Gyroscope have created a perfect debut full length with "Sound Shattering Sound", that is one which they can improve on.
Catchy chorus's, clever guitar lines and great lyrics are plentiful throughout the album as it takes us through its solid contents. One problem that this cd does have at some points is that at times the songs seem as if they could benefit with a change of tone, although some might prefer roughly 40 minutes of trashy guitars and drums compared to a different sound every song.
That said, these trashy guitars and drums combine together to make some very high quality driving rock songs, espically when combined with some fantastic screaming. Songs like "Take This For Granted" or "Get Down" let up from their power for only brief moments of subtleness and you'll quickly find yourself singing along with the choruses of these and other 'driving rock songs' on the cd.
Don't worry though, the hard hitting is countered by splendid softer songs. The use of layered vocals and employing the voice as an instrument really pays off in the quieter tunes "Hollow Like Cheyenne", "Misery" and "You Try Waiting This Long". Having said this at some stage or rather the guitarists usually end up pounding their instruments in these 'soft' songs aswell.
It wouldn't be fair on Gyroscope to go through a review without mentioning two of the more standout songs on the album, "Safe Forever" and "Doctor Doctor". Both of these songs really are quintessential Gyroscope and are, of course, insanely catchy.
One detail that, up to this point, I have neglected to mention is that this band have quite a unique sound to them. Of all the music that I've heard, which I'll admit is probably small in comparision to what many here have been exposed to, nothing else sounds exactly like this band.
So for all you Jet haters out there, here's an excellent original Australian rock album. Go and hear for yourself.
Recommended Tracks:
- Safe Forever
- Hollow Like Cheyenne
- Doctor Doctor
- Driving For The Storm
- You Try Waiting This Long
