WORDS JANET HARDING
GOSSIP
” REAL POWER “
It’s been 12 years since the last album release from multi-platinum selling, feisty, 3-piece Portland (Oregon) based Gossip. It’s another album that’s been eagerly anticipated and much talked about, and another that begs the questions “Will it live up to the hype?” and “Can it be as good as previous material?” With the releases earlier this year of singles “Act of God”, “Real Power” and “Crazy Again”, a real taster of what was to come had been offered. The band promises us they are “back at their best” with an 11-track album,”a celebration of creative expression and the power of chosen family in the aftermath of collective and personal trauma”.
I guess I was still expecting (or hoping for) that familiar Gossip sound of fast-paced indie rock; that’s not what this album is, yet it’s still full of intensity and that Gossip sound, instantly identifiable as theirs, and not in the least disappointing. It’s a much more laid-back feel with this album; it has a very retro-80s electro feel, then real disco vibes, even moments of funk. It’s a smooth,” hip” and nostalgic sound; it easily transports us back to another era, yet it’s of its time, fresh and cool. Some tracks like the title track “Real Power” are incredibly danceable and are real earworms (a real dance into the disco realm with this one). It’s an effortless feel, easy and organic, jovial and carefree with no stress or pressure.
Other tracks (“Edge of the Sun” and “Turn the Card Slowly”) offer moodier, darker feels and invoke real atmosphere, then others give a real Motown sound (“Act of God”) but with a fire in their belly; drumbeats are hard and loud, contrasting wonderfully with that 60s soulful vibe. There are moments of edgy guitar but on the whole, this album is poppier, dancier, and a whole other feeling, punctuated by Beth Dito’s incredible vocals, and a cool identity. (Let’s not forget for a time Beth was undoubtedly THE coolest front woman in the world). This comes through in the sound still, a quirkiness an edginess, that feeling of being at ease with one’s identity. The band stresses that this album is about reuniting, having fun, and enjoying each other’s company whilst creating something special, and for me that is the essence of this entire album; friendship and appreciation are captured within the sounds of these tracks.
It’s not the Gossip of times gone by, but just as listenable, valid, and strong, and is a testament to this band’s versatility. Time will prove this to be just as popular and iconic as the previous material. Beth fits into the disco diva role perfectly, adding her alternative, nonconformist style, feminism, and ‘take no prisoners’ performance on top. The Gossip are back! Big time!
8/10
Track listing:
1. Act Of God
2. Real Power
3. Don’t Be Afraid
4. Crazy Again
5. Edge Of The Sun
6. Give It Up For Love
7. Turn The Card Slowly
8. Tell Me Something
9. Light It Up
10. Tough
11. Peace And Quiet
FOLLOW GOSSIP
Music is my lifeblood and writing about this creative force is my passion.Im never happier than at a live gig,festival or listening to music,pen and notebook in hand.
