Weekly Release Spotlight: Gospel Gossip

Posted on 7/27/2009

Gospel Gossip

Dreamland [EP]

[Guilt Ridden Pop]

Expectations are high for local trio Gospel Gossip. Their 2007 debut, Sing into My Mouth, was praised locally and nationally as a harbinger of a shoegaze resurgence. Dreamland follows Sing into My Mouth with few surprises, but with noticeably increased songwriting skill and maturity. While the debut record meandered, swelled and receded (sometimes aimlessly), Dreamland takes a straightforward approach. The room-spinning waves of reverb are still there, but this time every song seems to go somewhere.

It would seem logical that an EP called Dreamland might be, well, dreamier. But while the title track is essentially a nebulous five-minute slow jam, the rest of the record is decidedly rock. "Nashville," "Space/Time" and "Big Steer" (an early version of which appears on Radio K's sixth Stuck on AM compilation released last year) are simultaneously loud and delicate. "Home" is pop-tinged and reminiscent of The Cure, while "Pre-med (Just in Case)" swings between sad ballad and primal scream therapy. Fans of the more powerful, concise songs from the debut (notably "Wire" and "Shadows Are Bent") will definitely enjoy this EP.

Whether Gospel Gossip appreciate being classified as shoegazers or not is arguable, but there's no doubt that it's at least influenced them. Dreamland is proof that their uniquely modern take on the genre is evolving into something bigger, better and more purposeful - and it will continue to do their hometown proud.

Stream: Gospel Gossip - Nashville

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Listen to Gospel Gossip's latest in-studio at Radio K here

Written by Dana Raidt, Radio K volunteer.