The Gossip - 'Movement' (Southern) Released 07/07/03

Batten down the hatches, this is the sound of the Deep South invading, and Jesus Christ what a ****ing fantastic sound it is. It's pertinent that I take the lords name in vain here, because The Gossip's vocals are that of the Gospel singer. Frontwoman Beth's potent, soulful, yet truly rockin' vocals are the powerhouse of The Gossip sound, balanced perfectly with the low slung deep and dirty bluesy guitar of Nathan. And following in a current tradition of ace US acts this three piece come without any need for a bass player, at this rate, a dieing breed in rock 'n' roll.

The album begins with 'Night' a tune somewhat reminiscent of The Kills 'Keep On Your Meanside' or the Von Bondies with Marcy on vocals. It isn't long before the pounding drums of surely the heaviest handed female drummer in rock joins in the glorious racket, producing a stomper of an album. This is easily one of the best records to hit these shores this year — if you're of the rock 'n' roll persuasion anyway. But putting these guys one step ahead of anything witnessed so far are the superb vocals from an extraordinary lady, who allegedly at a recent London gig after having remarks about her size made by a female journalist (she's big boned right!) made the point that it was "hard enough for a female to make it in this industry without having to endure sexism [or weightism] from her own gender." She then removed her skirt, leaving her totally naked and jumped into the crowd, telling anyone who might disagree with her to "eat my pussy". Fan****intastic, I'm in love with this women, chunky or not.