Hands up who remembers Gossip? There was a brief spell when Beth Ditto seemed to be the height of cool, gracing the cover of the NME regularly and her voice frequently popping up in the latest teen drama when the whippersnappers were partying or out of their heads on street drugs.
Well after 12 long years, they’re back with a new record; ‘Real Power’, but I’m guessing you want to know if it’s ‘Real Good’?
It starts with “Act of God” and it’s clear Ditto’s epic pipes have lost none of their muster in the time spent away and we’re welcomed back to the pop-punk disco of old. It’s textbook Gossip only a little cleaner and more polished, doubtless owing to super producer Rick Rubin’s influence.
Title track “Real Power” is more of the same with an emphasis on the disco, it could be mistaken for a Giorgio Moroder hit if Donna Summer was on vocals, so there’s a bit of growth on show.
“Crazy Again” I dug because it was a little bit of a break from the norm, Ditto’s voice is a little softer and more tender and it gives the track an upbeat lift, probably the most dream poppy song they’ve ever done.
“Give It Up For Love” is seriously funky, Chic level of funkiness and this is where the record is at it’s best, groovy disco beats, playful harmonies and slick production.
Ditto described the album recently as a “celebration of creative expression” and while I don’t know if that is fully justified, there’s a lot to be admired here and enough evolution to justify the band’s comeback, clearly they’ve still got something to say.
It does sound more grown up, and sophisticated, I kinda liked them when they were all dirty, grimy and messy, but ‘Real Power’ strikes the balance nicely at its peak. Check it out.
To pick up your copy of ‘Real Power’ or tickets for their tour dates, head over to the Official Gossip Website here.
Tour Dates:
29-Jun-24 Pilton Glastonbury Festival
25-Aug-24 London All Points East
1-Sep-24 Liverpool Olympia
3-Sep-24 Glasgow SWG3
4-Sep-24 Leeds The Wardrobe
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