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Even though they gained fame from their 2006 hit “Standing in the Way of Control”, the band OSSIP, consisting of lead singer Beth Ditto, multi-instrumentalist Nathan Howdeshell, and drummer Hannah Blilie, has proven that they are not a one-hit wonder. Their ability to blend disco, soul, and 1960s girl-group pop in their music has earned them a dedicated following within the queer punk community and beyond. This is evident through the successful reception of their energetic performances and the inclusion of their hit song in the popular TV show, Skins.
After almost two decades, Gossip has made a comeback following a 12-year break (their last album was released in 2012). And not only that: their newest album, Real Power, features a song that is nearly as impressive as their iconic anthem. The title track of their surprising sixth album showcases a perfect blend of dancefloor expertise and valuable life lessons, much like its predecessor. It’s a nostalgic blast from the past that is perfectly relevant in the present.
The song SITWOC was created as a response to a proposed federal law in the US that sought to limit marriage rights for same-sex couples (though it was not ultimately passed). Real Power, on the other hand, was inspired by the Black Lives Matter protests that took place in Portland, Oregon, where Ditto lives. The lyrics of Ditto’s song parallel the solidarity and bravery of those risking their health in 2020 to protest against police racism, with the freedom and exhilaration found on the dance floor, and with love that is aware and intentional. The title of the song and album is also a nod to the punk classic by The Stooges, Raw Power.
The buzz around Gossip’s comeback has been natural. Ditto initially set out to create a new solo album with renowned producer Rick Rubin, but ended up asking Howdeshell and later Blilie to join in, highlighting Blilie’s significant influence in shaping Gossip’s unique sound.
Gossip’s reemergence has a larger unexpected aspect to it. In 2023, the American Civil Liberties Union identified 75 new laws as harmful to LGBTQ+ individuals that were passed. The ACLU has flagged an additional 479 bills currently under inspection in the US. While most of these bills will not be enacted, the director of Loyola Marymount University’s LGBTQ politics research initiative suggests that some of them may just be performative tactics of conservatism during an election year. As pioneers for queer feminist representation and finding joy amidst hate, it seems like Gossip is perfectly suited for 2024, where there have been many achievements, such as an abundance of openly queer and trans artists in mainstream pop, but also a simultaneous influx of new threats.
The trio’s latest album, however, delves into more personal themes rather than political ones. Real Power consists of 11 tracks that primarily revolve around the journey of love, from faltering to being rediscovered. After officially disbanding in 2016, Gossip’s members (Ditto, Howdeshell, and Blilie) all led eventful lives. Howdeshell moved back to rural Arkansas and turned to Christianity, while Ditto’s relationship with her wife Kristin Ogata, a long-time companion, ended in divorce. Additionally, she also experienced the loss of her father. These challenges are reflected in many of the tracks on Real Power. The only track that stands out as a pure crowd-pleaser is the opener, “Act of God,” a futuristic soul masterpiece that showcases Ditto’s heartache through wailing background vocals and a haunting melody.
The phrase “the personal is political” is frequently recognized in the album, but it may not delve deeply enough into broader themes of power. Gossip tends to hold back in their music, resulting in a lack of impact and energy in their album Real Power. With a runtime of 45 minutes, one might expect a rush of adrenaline, tears, dance-worthy beats, and catharsis. However, the album feels overly polished and sanitized, despite its lengthy creation process, with meticulous attention given to small details.
It could have been bolder, more unconventional; displaying more certainty in its decisions. Currently, the genre of country music is gaining popularity. The twangy undertones in songs like “Edge of the Sun” or “Tough” could have been more daring; placed front and center instead of just being hinted at. There is a strong house music influence in Ditto’s vocals. “Tell Me Something” captures that classic house sound, but falls short by trying to blend it with a subtle undertone that doesn’t quite fit. Overall, “Real Power” is an expertly crafted album, with songs like “Peace and Quiet” showcasing the band’s ability to evoke emotion through melancholic country-pop melodies. However, there is room for more risk-taking and depth in their music. It is a privilege to have them back, but one wishes that their music was more bold like Gossip’s sound. “Don’t Be Afraid” comes across as an ambitious piece stuck in a cheap Casio keyboard: lacking power.
Source: theguardian.com
