Gyroscope

Christie Legedza

Living up to your past work is a hard task, especially when your last album debuted at number one. This is the life of Gyroscope, the four Perth guys who met when they were 15.

UniLifeMag spoke to drummer Rob Nassif about recording their fourth album, and whether it lives up to the high expectations they’ve set for themselves.

“We’ve always wanted to be a band that does better than the last album.”

But coming off the back of their 2008 record Breed Obsession, it may be a hard act to follow. Debuting at number one and nominated for an ARIA, the guys were surprised at its success.

“The single Snakeskin really had a connection with people. I was quite shocked actually. When it went number one I couldn’t believe it.”

“You get a number one album and a gold record, and it’s like you’re getting an honour certificate in front of the school assembly.”

With their fourth album Cohesion, the band wanted to explore the darker and heavier side of their sound.

“We all wanted a bit more rock on this record, you know? Breed Obsession had quite a few acoustic songs, and quite a bit of experimental stuff where we incorporated pianos.”

“I think the general feeling was that we didn’t want to do that again, so then when we were writing the songs, I’m sure that set into it subconsciously.”

For Cohesion, a metaphor for not only the songs on the record but the dynamic within the band, the guys took recording abroad – to Wales.

“There’s a really amazing recording studio out there Rockfield Studios. It’s where Queen recorded Bohemian Rhapsody, and Oasis recorded (What’s The Story) Morning Glory?”

Adding to the prestige, the guys also worked with legendary producer Gil Norton, whose previous work includes the Foo Fighters’ The Colour and the Shape and the Pixies’ seminal album Doolittle.

“He’s got such an amazing catalogue of work. I think that’s how it goes with producers, you just look at bands that you love and albums that you love and think to yourself; well, if he helped create that, then I want some of it.”

But Rob admits he and the guys found it a little intimidating at first.

“Especially when we first met him and all of that, it definitely was a little bit scary. But he made us feel really welcomed, really quickly.

“He’s a lovely guy, you know what I mean? He was a really good dude, and a real friendly chap. He really helped bring the best out of us.”

So is Cohesion the best album they’ve done so far?

“I love all the albums for different reasons but definitely, I can honestly say I think this one is the best one, just because you know…it’s just so good!” He laughs.

“I just feel there’s a real consistency and the songs are strong.”

The new album Cohesion is out now and the Gyroscope guys will be back in Adelaide playing HQ in June. Check out the details here.

Favourite album: “My favourite album would have to be Achtung Baby by U2.”

Most Embarrassing album: “Um…there’s some Britney Spears on my ipod.”

Rob Recommends: “I just got the new Florence and The Machine record (Lungs), I really like that.” “The new Jay-Z, Blueprint 3, is great.”

Have a listen to some of the tracks off Cohesion online