gypsy fly: Press

An undeniably catchy mix of metal and pop punk, Gypsyfly can without a doubt “rawk!” with the best of them, which is readily apparent on “You’re Gonna Get It” and the closing number, “The Day Night Ended.” However, this hybrid of genres doesn’t work for every track on Silver Or Lead. Ballads like “Don’t Worry” as well as the guitar-driven “Play With Fire” are just a couple of examples where the contrasts in musical ideologies are hardly a perfect match.

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www.gypsyfly.net)

Gypsyfly’s 12-song Breathing Air is pure pop rock that values style over substance. Each song is begging to be remembered through repetition of its sing-along choruses, which are usually the song title (for example: “I Go, You Go, We Go”). The vocals, delivered at times with a nasal sneer, mostly overpower the instrumentation, which seems to be a modern update to The Monkees. The repetitious vocals “on and on, on and on” from the opening song “I Wanna Get Off,” set a early precedent. (www.gypsyfly.net)
– Jason Scales

Before and while listening to each band I review, I always think that it is rather essential to know the artists behind the music. By reading the bios of bands, the point is given to me right off the bat, as most of the press kits review the formation of the act, the act's biggest shows/triumphs, and any perseverance’s these musicians have established in events that have obstacled their goals. Gypsyfly is definitely a band with one of the better descriptions I have read. While the "overcoming trials" aspect seems to take the most precedent role in their description, Gypsyfly eventually summits their bio with the concept that this band is at its most creative and most productive in the present. Knowing that this band has had its share of dirt on their hands and sweat on their foreheads, I was ready to hear what had evolved from three friends just messing around on instruments.


The first track on the press kit page is titled "Young Again", which immediately brings to mind the thoughts of going back to the simpler or better days of my youth. I am captivated by the crisp mixing of Jimmy James' bass as he plays one smooth line that is just the right tough of ska and punk rock. When the drums and vocals kick in, my foot begins to tap. The background vocals that soon appear and continue throughout the song are not meant to be perfect pitch harmonies. Instead, the "wah ohs" are used in a more carefree sing along type of light, kind of like those songs that everyone sings when you're at a drunken party. Being that I read about the band's travels from creation to present, the lyrics of this song come across as genuine, without losing their ability to start a mosh pit. My favorite aspect of the song would have to be the breakdown, where the ban d establishes its songwriting with some distorted rolled vocals, a piano hook, and a shout along lyric. The final repetition of the final chorus fades rather fast, while I'm still ready to rock, so I move onto track 2...


"4 Deep" begins with ambiguous sound, ala "Wish You Were Here" by Pink Floyd. Vocals and guitar then sneak in at me from the right speaker only, hinting at the signs of the full blown rock sound in short time. Once again, the lyrics seem to throw back to the band's personal journey, which seems to come to life through my own experiences in a band along with the story-like content of the song. I can definitely see a lot of potential crowd shouting lines in this song, especially the whole "1,2,3" lyric (people love to sing numbers). I also enjoyed the short and sweet solo that promoted the rock roots of the band with its accents and musical movement. I also like how the track concludes; almost hinting at a final chorus to pop right back at me, but instead it simply fades out quickly.


"Disappear" a features element that worked in the previous two songs and puts them all together once again. The distorted vocals in some parts of the song bring in a punk influence, along with the chanting "fight fight" background vocals. The sturdy bassline with its fills keeps the rhythm flowing as the guitar also chugs along. The guitar features small leads and parts that embellish the heaviness of the tune, which really makes it the most rocking track out of all three of the songs available. The lyrics seem more vivacious in this song as well, as they are matched with a different sense of wording. The drums could even be a little louder in the mix, as they bring across a great energy that is probably huge live.


So what's my final thought on Gypsyfly? Well, if the band wanted to get the story of their hardships and achievements out through their music...well then mission accomplished! The lyrics really come across as a story rather than a set of words thrown together that sound cool. The possibilities of a live show definitely promote the idea of crowd sing-alongs and moshing. If anything, this band seems to be about having a good time regardless of what has (and will continue to) be thrown at them. With their chins up, these guys look at the past and realize what it has taken to become who they are. With this mix of maturity and rock, Gypsyfly offers something for both the audience and themselves.

Named after Jimi Hendrix and Curtis Mayfield references, Carol Stream-based Gypsy Fly sound nothing like either legend. Their third release, the EP Labeled, is your typical surprise-free rock record, layering basic melodies and simple harmonies over straightforward rock. The strongest track is “California” (yes, another California song), which is driven by a strong bass line and more creative vocals. ([13] www.gypsyfly.net)
– Carter Moss