Released: March 22
The mid-2000s saw Beth Ditto become an overnight LGBTQ+ icon on the back of the band’s monster hit single Standing In The Way Of Control breaking into the Top 10 of the UK Singles Chart.
The American indie-rockers went on to score hits with Listen Up! and Heavy Cross, but it’s been over a decade since they released their most recent LP, ‘A Joyful Noise’ (2012), and embarked on an extended hiatus.
Now back together, ‘Real Power’ marks the dawning of a new era for the group. “When we began, so much about Gossip was about running away—that was always in the music,” says Ditto.
“We survived. We came from nothing, and we got the fuck out of there. And to be here 20 years later and still making music together is just incredible.”
Reuniting the group with legendary producer Rick Rubin – who helmed their previous effort – the record remains typically eclectic, referencing several touchstones across its 11 songs while upholding the essence of the band at its core.
If opening number Act Of God has echoes of Motown, lead single Crazy Again taps into indie-pop territory and lets the melody lead the way with a sparse instrumental arrangement, all with the band’s unmistakeable flair.
On the flipside, the title song juxtaposes guitar with buzzing electronics for a cacophony that underpins Ditto’s rallying cry in support of owning your power.
Meanwhile, the funk core of Give It Up For Love proves the trio can turn their hand to practically anything and emerge triumphant.
Gossip’s original run was patchy where success was concerned and only their two most recent albums made waves on the charts before they called it a day. This time around, however, they’re on a different footing altogether and in offering up some of the strongest work of their career to date, the real power of Gossip is the magic that happens when the trio get into the studio together.
