Most people will know
Gossip as the scrappy, gnarly indie band who produced seminal track '
Standing in the Way of Control', as featured on the formative and age-inappropriate Skins soundtrack. 18 years after that breakthrough and 12 years since their last record, they're back with their seventh album. And boy, is it worth the wait.
'
Real Power' is ostensibly a pop album, which probably isn't a surprise for anyone who's been keeping up with Gossip's ever-evolving discography since their 2001 debut. Predominantly channelling the feel-good forces of 70s and 80s funk and soul, the trio also bring classic Gossip DIY indie-rock, moments of electrifying synth-pop, and edifying vulnerability on the record's softer tracks.
Anthemic opener '
Act of God' is a throwback to the late-noughties grit that catapulted Gossip into the public eye, while title-track 'Real Power' and toe-tapper '
Give It Up For Love' would be at home in Nile Rodgers' discography. '
Tell Me Something' transports us to post-punk dark electronica, whilst closer '
Peace and Quiet' is an ethereal journey into Beth Ditto's soul. That the band can so easily transition between genres, almost imperceptibly, is a sign that this band are the real deal.
