By Channing Henson
Portland's own, The Gossip, returns to Fargo this Sunday on the heels of their third full length album Standing in the Way of Control. Combining danceable rhythms, gritty punk rock arrangements, and a soul/R&B foundation, the Gossip bring their frenetic live set to the Aquarium this Sunday, Fargo's newest rock venue downtown. I was fortunate enough to catch the Gossip's previous Fargo performance last fall at the now defunct Great Northern Restaurant, and was captivated by the band's kinetic raw energy, and ability to rouse and inspire insanity throughout the audience. Nearly everyone in proximity was infected, tapping their toes or putting their best moves forward. But despite the band's smokin' hot dance beats, much of the frenzy could be directly linked to the arresting voice behind the Gossip.
Lead singer Beth Ditto has a built in knack for energizing those around her. Onstage she stalks back and forth with enough sass and swagger to channel James Brown, Tina Turner, and the whole prime time lineup of the Trinity Broadcast Network. However, you might not expect such brazen charisma from a more unlikely source. In an industry that flagrantly peddles the media's ideal of femininity, the Gossip has achieved commercial and critical acclaim on their own terms. Ditto, adorably short and rotund, revealed recently in an interview with Bust magazine that she is comfortable with her weight. "I'm not overweight- I'm fat. I have rolls and I don't care." She then went on to humorously offer fashion tips to those who might also be on the outside of society's ideals of female figures. Ditto's quirky, DIY approach to fashion, as well as lyrical inspiration, is directly inspired by the riot grrl and feminism movements of the 90's.
But aside from all the bells and whistles, Ditto can not only engage the audience, but is first and foremost a legitimately talented singer. Beth's guttural wail becomes the band's focal point the minute she grabs the mic, hinting at legendary artists such as Aretha Franklin and Peggy Lee. However, Ditto evokes a more bluesy impression, implying her Southern roots.
The Gossip might call Portland their home, but with two-thirds of the band hailing from the backwoods of Arkansas, the group is anything but art-damaged. Their latest album on indie staple Kill Rock Stars (Sleater Kinney, Xiu Xiu, The Decemberists, etc.), is more of a tribute to the past than jumping on the now depleted garage rock revival, or even more stagnant dance punk scene. Recorded by Guy Picciotto (Fugazi) at Seattle's Bear Creek Studios, the album picks up where Movement, their previous disc left off. Picciotto helped clean up the band's sparse arrangements, giving way to a more raw, natural feel that leaves the album a more intimate listen than previous attempts. With the band writing more focused, better developed material, made it harder to restrain any unneeded adornment, or to tame the desire to overproduce. But the band's impassioned disco/soul/basement-punk trademark is also better paced, building tension in all the right places.
While Ditto deserves all the accolades with her amazing chops, the Gossip's rhythm section is also entitled to some just recognition. New addition, drummer Hannah Blilie (ex-Chromatics), executes with more precision and power than many of her male contemporaries. And guitarist/bassist Brace Paine accompanies the primitive beats with a whole catalog of textures, giving nod to Gang of Four as much as funk and disco.
Anyone young and old interested in getting down and having a good time take heed. The Gossip will indeed get you on the dance floor this Sunday night. Opening on tour for the Gossip is Portland comrade Panther, a bizarre electronic solo act. Also, check out Seattle transplants from Grand Forks, The Bismarck, and locals Guitarmeggedon. It's an all ages show, but if you must, get your drink on at Dempsey's, the impressive new bar downstairs. Doors open at 6pm, show starts at 7pm, and $7 at the door.