The Beat Surrender

“Skins, Skins, Skins” shouts Hannah, Gossip’s tattooed, joke telling drummer in response to the crowds’ “Leeds, Leeds, Leeds” chants. She’s got every reason to; it’s gonna make them a fortune! Four months after the release of their third albums’ title track “Standing In The Way Of Control”, It has now charted as a download (album!) track and is getting a proper re-release today on the back of being used to advertise Channel 4’s “Skins”. This combined with NME voting lead singer Beth Ditto the ‘coolest’ person in music has pushed their ascent through the roof. Tonight’s show is sold out, something these headliners are eager not to do!

First support band are Pre. Fronted by Akiko, an angry Karen O look-alike, who jumps around shouting obscenities to hardcore noise and thunderous drums! They get Gossip’s approval as Beth rocks along and Hannah sports their t-shirt. Next up are The Violets, a dark hybrid of ‘80’s power rock’ guitars and a blondie-esque front woman. New single “Hush Away” was my cue for the bar! Quite a strange act to precede the highly up beat Gossip. Anyway, after a much needed refreshment break I was ready for the Portland Punks along with a full house, including Sunshine Underground’s Craig Wellington.

Opening with an acapella of “Lady Marmalade” and a friendly welcome, instantly striking up an early rapport with the room. They begin with my favourite track from the latest album, “Listen Up”. A brilliant stomp of a tune with Beth preaching appropriately “1-2-3 listen to me / 3-4 so much trouble in store”, everyone goes crazy! Then onto the popular “Keeping You Alive” with guitarist Nathan ‘Brake’ Howdeshell sounding great on lead. Hannah’s tribal style drumming keeps things at a high tempo and Beth’s ‘night’ dress begins to rise as she busts the moves, showing everyone that sizeable ass of hers!

Things slow down slightly later with “Coal To Diamonds” which gets everyone singing along. Their last single release, “Jealous Girls” soon steps it back up and displays Beth’s amazing vocal range (including burps!). She sounds excellent. The band leave the new album mid-set and cover an Aaliyah & Timbaland track along with older tunes and b-sides which just don’t get the reaction, but Nathan’s guitar skills are still noticeable, even when he swaps to bass a couple of times. “Yr Mangled Heart” is a welcome return to the newer Gossip catalogue. “I don’t want the world / I only want what I deserve” she wails. The fans know most tracks word for word and are in great voice. The chant’s of “Leeds…” echoes around the balconies and then bedlam, the first few bars of “Standing In The Way Of Control” and the place erupts!

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