GOSSIP REUNITE FOR NEW ALBUM ‘REAL POWER’
THEIR FIRST STUDIO ALBUM IN 12 YEARS
“Every beat of my heart is a merciful act of god” is the opening line of the album in ‘Act Of God’, an introductory song that holds an insane level of liveliness and energy. Beth Ditto’s voice is powerful as bass riffs and drums push a thumping tempo. It is a lyric that acts as a foundation for the entire album, with Nathan Howdeshell stating “never take life for granted”.
In 2017, Beth Ditto branched off from working with Gossip, embarking on her own career with the release of her debut solo record “Fake Sugar”. In what was supposed to be an extension to her solo work, “Real Power” became the product of a reunion of the multi-platinum selling band. Combining her talents once again with bandmates Nathan Howdeshell and Hannah Blilie, the trio created their first studio album together in 12 years. “Real Power” also saw the group join forces again with Rick Rubin, responsible for the production of the band’s 2009 release “Music For Men”. With Howdeshell describing Rubin as “pure about his creativity”, it’s obvious that this unanimous decision was a successful one.
Following on from the explosive intro that truly is an ‘Act Of God’, the band have created a tracklist encompassing a variety of influences, styles, and tempos. Title track ‘Real Power’ is equally enticing. The latter track pays homage towards Iggy Pop and The Stooges’ album “Raw Power”. Both tunes act as an air of reflection and nostalgia, bringing up the familiar feel of older Gossip tunes.
Blilie noted that ‘Real Power’ acts as a “coda” to 2005 anthem ‘Standing In The Way Of Control’. The “rebel-rousing” and protest provoking track broke boundaries at the time, and still does, with it reflecting one of the band’s many intentions. ‘Real Power’ goes hand-in-hand with the 2005 track to show that the underlying messages of standing against a norm, and going against volatility are still prevalent.
“Real Power” is an album that carries on Gossip’s tradition of being a band that is hard to pin to a specific genre or style of music. With some acts, it’s easy to say they’re indie, rock or pop, or perhaps a combination of them all. However with Gossip, Ditto’s loud yet tuneful vocals along with a mix of different instrumental incorporations from Howdeshell and Blilie create an artwork of accumulating sounds. The album spans a broad musical spectrum from edgy rock to bright and airy 80s inspired disco.
Gossip prove that amongst all of the mesmerising mixes of music, they can create a level of simplicity too. Third track ‘Don’t Be Afraid’ follows a steady synth and electronic tempo that allows Ditto’s voice to rise and fall in volume. ‘Crazy Again’ somewhat follows this too, presenting as a departure musically for the band. They stray away from the loud, funky sound that Gossip have made their signature and incorporate a dreamier set of vocals from Ditto.
‘Edge Of The Sun’ and ‘Give It Up For Love’ are easily two of my favourites from the record. The immediately captivating presence they produce is next level. Both would sound incredible blasted from speakers, exactly how I’m listening to them as I write this. They show that songs don’t have to be about deep subjects, or political statements all the time. Instead, they discuss the thrill of falling in love again and include the catchiest of choruses. The only criticism, you could say, that I have is that the latter tune, ‘Give It Up For Love’, isn’t long enough. At slightly under 3 minutes, it’s a song you’ll have on repeat to get the full effect of it.
Having recorded the album in Rubin’s Hawaiian paradise of a studio, the trio describe tranquil surroundings being ever-present in their recording process. This is clear to see in ‘Turn The Card Slowly’, with dreamier and more relaxing guitar work. Different use of bass and guitar is frequent throughout “Real Power”. Tracks like ‘Tough’ include frequent use of riffs and more noticeable guitar usage whereas songs like ‘Tell Me Something’ use it less often.
‘Light It Up’ is definitely the more pop side of Gossip but I’m here for it. Everyone loves a good pop song every now and then, no matter how much you try to deny it. Compared to the funkier, more eclectic energy of other tracks, ‘Light It Up’ is easy listening and will effortlessly transport you with its bright and airy sound.
Closing the incredible album off is ‘Peace and Quiet’. Just as ‘Act Of God’ was a perfect introduction to the album, ‘Peace and Quiet’ is the perfect summary. It is contemplative, discussing the ebbs and flows of life, exactly like how the album itself presents them. “What you do with your own time’s got nothing to do with me, but don’t punish me,” is the ideal lyric to conclude this album and a sentiment more people should adopt.
As much as I love music, and listening to albums in full, there has rarely been an album without a song that I’d skip. “Real Power” is the only album I’ve recently listened to that I can confidently argue has no skippable songs. Even with 11 songs that span a large collection of influences and styles, there’s one thing for certain, there will be a song you love on this record. Gossip are an insanely talented group of people and this long-awaited album has definitely not disappointed.
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