Gossip - Music for Men

Fri 3rd Jul, 2009 in Music Reviews

Before we begin analysing the Gossip’s fourth album (and their first for a major label) Music For Men, we must get a few words out of the way. Lord knows how many reviews of this band have been plagued with obsessions over these two words and their connection to Gossip. You, dear reader, don’t need another one. So let’s get it out of the way first. The words are “overweight” and “lesbian”. All synonyms included.

Ever since vocalist Beth Ditto became paparazzi fresh meat around 2006 and the runaway success of the band’s last record, Standing in the Way of Control, the Gossip’s image has played a huge part in their exposure. Whilst there are certainly bold statements to come from a two-thirds lesbian band with an outspoken frontwoman in terms of image alone, hindsight should never be lost of the powerful, punk-inspired alternative rock that the collective creates.

As if to prove this, the Gossip has returned with Music for Men – the defining moment in their career thus far. A brash, uncompromising, powerful and downright exciting work of art, this is the Gossip at their most certain and assured in their songwriting abilities – making it all the better in the process.

At its core, the album picks up where Standing in the Way… left off. Fans from previous albums won’t be disappointed with the continuation of soulful melodies leading a charge of guitar snarl, slinking bass and Hannah Billie’s driving drums and percussion. Tracks such as the invigorating 8th Wonder epitomise the Gossip fanfare we have grown accustomed to, sounding like vintage Aretha Franklin at her most inspired fronting Gang of Four. Opener Dimestore Diamond, too, is a husky blues stomp with a gritty walking bass and lyrical socio-economic undertones.

It is the expansion and progression upon this sound, however, which is certain to attain new fans. With legendary producer Rick Rubin behind the desk, the trio have expanded their sound to blend in synth and dance influences. The band has certainly embraced such influences before, but never to the fully-realised extent that is found on here. Pop Goes The World is a guaranteed hip-shaker; whilst Love and Let Love is the most heartbroken you can get on the dancefloor.

The winning formula, ultimately, is bundled into the three-and-a-half minute extravaganza that is lead single Heavy Cross. A frantic and powerful performance, the song thrives on Brace Paine’s layered, swaggering guitar, hand-claps and an – œ80s-flavoured synth undercurrent that remains consistent throughout. That’s not even mentioning Ditto’s sensational vocal performance. The call to arms of “If it’s already been done, undo it” and “It’s up to me and you to prove it” is sung with such conviction that you are more than willing to do anything she says.

To hell with it, the woman deserves her own paragraph. Ditto is evolving into an iconic figure in music; proving there’s far more to being “alternative” in the pop realm than your Pinks or Katy Perrys. Her wild, Otis Redding-esque howls and moans are occasionally watered-down on Music for Men, but this does not depreciate the value of the songs slightly – in fact, it allows Ditto to attempt more sultry, passionate vocals. She accomplishes this on lower-key numbers such as the sexy Vertical Rhythm, as well as the heartfelt balladry of For Keeps and the electronica slow jam of Four Letter Word. A near-faultless singer, Ditto has never sounded more confident and impassioned than on Music for Men.

Standing in the Way of Control was the Gossip warming up. Music for Men, now, is the main event. Beth, Brace and Hannah have created a career-defining work of art that shifts the focus away from public imagery to where it should have been in the beginning – the exceptional music. For men. For women. For all that are willing to listen.

Music For Men is out now on Sony Music.