Are You Involved? cover

Are You Involved?

Gyroscope · 2005

41 min · 15 tracks · alternative rock

Energetic guitar riffs clash with introspective lyrics in a vibrant exploration of youthful angst and desire.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Fast Girl — This track epitomizes the album's energetic sound, featuring infectious hooks and lively instrumentation that captures the essence of youthful exuberance and desire.
  • →
    Mistakes and Ladders — A standout track that showcases more introspective lyrics, it reflects on personal growth and the complexities of navigating relationships amidst life's challenges.
  • →
    Don't Look Now but I Think I'm Sweating Blood — Opening the album with raw energy, this track sets an urgent tone while addressing themes of anxiety and pressure in a fast-paced world.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album blends energetic instrumentation with introspective lyrics, showcasing solid songwriting but lacking in overall cohesion.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features high-energy tracks with driving guitar riffs, while the second half shifts to more introspective themes and slower tempos.
  • Several tracks incorporate dynamic shifts in intensity, alternating between quiet verses and explosive choruses.
  • The lyrics often explore themes of identity and relationships, with a focus on personal experiences and emotional struggles.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • short bursts of youthful energy
  • introspective reflections on desire
  • engaging sing-along moments
  • dynamic shifts in pacing
  • late-night conversations with friends

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer lengthy immersive albums
  • seek constant upbeat tempos

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2005, Are You Involved? was Gyroscope's second studio album, following their debut, Sound Shattering Sound, which had established them as a notable act in the Australian alternative rock scene. At this point, the band was gaining momentum, having toured extensively and built a solid fanbase, setting the stage for further artistic development and commercial success.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 Don't Look Now but I Think I'm Sweating Blood 1:28
  • 2 Fast Girl 3:18
  • 3 Beware Wolf 3:23
  • 4 Mistakes and Ladders 3:17
  • 5 A Slow Dance 4:06
  • 6 Sexxxy 4:00
  • 7 Dream Vs. Scream 3:35
  • 8 Raindrops 5:08
  • 9 22 of 3 3:58
  • 10 Missed the Point 3:06
  • 11 Don't Let the Light In 3:50
  • 12 She Will Come 2:25

Disc 2

  • 1 Making of the Album
  • 2 Making of Fast Girl Video
  • 3 Fast Girl

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata