Review:The Gossip

Gossip Unveil New Member

22 March - The Gossip waited until the last UK gig of their current tour to unveil a new bass player to the crowd at London's Shepherd's Bush Empire last night (Friday 21st March).

Beth Ditto, guitarist Brace and drummer Hannah were joined on stage by Chris Sutton for a handful of tracks including fan favourite Jealous Girls and Standing in the Way of Control.

Chris was previously a member of Dub Narcotic Sound System, who hail from Olympia, Washington, where the Gossip recorded their first EP in 1999.

Beth began the night by saying that 'old songs would have to do' as the band was preparing to get back into the studio to work on their fourth album.

The Gossip played a wide selection of tracks from their first three albums but were clearly in an experimental mood as they threw in a cover of Black Sabbath's War Pigs and Aaliyah's Are You That Somebody?

Beth improvised lyrics from the likes of Talking Heads and Bikini Kill between songs during a ninety-minute performance that rarely paused for breath.

The addition of Chris on bass also gave Brace more time to add electronic effects to the set, suggesting the band may be exploring some more unfamiliar sounds with the new album.

The Gossip's farewell was rounded off by Beth pulling audience members onto the stage during Standing In The Way of Control until it was packed full, and even gave over singing duties at one point to Akiko, lead singer of support band Comanechi.

The foursome have three more dates in the US left next month before they start recording new material.

Rodrigo Davies