The Gossip Instore @ RedeyeRecords, Sydney (03/03/06)

Sat 4th Mar, 2006 in Gig Reviews

It’s 4 o’clock. By now, the in-store should be coming to a close. Nope. Hasn’t started yet. Appreciators of music anxiously wait, expecting a nice, smile-worthy performance.

Lead singer Beth walks in, after a brand new hair cut, making her look innocent and cute. Then she states, ‘welcome to the Gossip comedy hour!’ Almost immediately, a bass line starts flowing. Then drums, shocking me to my inner core. These guys are good. Then the voice. That voice. The voice that you’d think would be in some church, while a priest attempts an exorcism, believing her pipes are the devil himself. Yes… these guys are really good.

Their sound is raw, dirty, filthy yet beautiful. They sound like Stooges mixed with Aretha Franklin, with an overdose of some new drug, causing this fantastic sound that makes you want to scream in praise of the Gossip. It was evident from the first few songs just how amazing the Gossip are. As I wiped the shocked look off my face, I noticed all around the room, the huge smiles and tapping toes. I underestimated this band immensely, and boy, how they showed me.

All songs were well rehearsed, original, entertaining, humorously introduced and complemented with awesome dance moves. Although there were technical difficulties such as issues with feedback, the band still managed to amaze. Upon another look round the room, I noticed I wasn’t the only one who wanted to start dancing in a frenzy, but couldn’t, for the chance that a gloriously melodic note would be missed, was too great of a risk.

Playing songs from their new album Standing in the Way of Control, they amazed all who were smart enough to be present, and caused them to smile uncontrollably, as if devouring a guilty pleasure. Gossip are an act that kill you and resurrect you for the purpose of scaring humans out of their wits. Don’t be a dickhead, just try to keep up!