The Gossip is a band with a big reputation. A reputation for electrifying, life affirming live performances; for pro-feminist journalist-baiting; for size glorifying, near naked on stage and in-audience ‘kiss my pussy’ attitude. Hooray! Fantastic! Go girl! For ‘gospel meets garage’ tunes. Erm, excuse me? For everything that goes with being in a band; the attitude, the live performance, the hyperbole, The Gossip are one of the most exciting bands playing the punk-rock circuit right now, but for the band fundamentals, that is to say, the tunes, they are sadly lacking.

The Gossip employ only guitar, drums and vocal, so their sound is a pretty simple one. The drums are basic with a CAPITAL B, but the problem doesn’t lie here, just look at The White Stripes, or look, LOOK at what the Yeah Yeah Yeahs are doing within the confines of this set up. The problem isn’t the vocals; Beth’s sound is very impressive, bellowing at some points, screeching at lots of others, pertaining to a tune occasionally. And the songs themselves aren’t all mediocre, ‘No, No, No’ is a dance floor highlight and ‘Yesterdays News’ as close as a post-rrriot record will get to an emotional ballad. But then after 32 minutes it’s over and you remember… nothing. Like a ‘virgin’ punch it was all colour and no delicious hit of booze; or in the case of this album, all punchy shouting and no like, tune. Which is a real shame, The Gossip deserve much better material than this.

So, for the attitude, the live show, the entertainment value: 5/5. For this album: 2.5. Must try harder.