Fortunately, it's an odd-couple formula that works; with Ditto's bonkers persona and emotion-soaked vocals tamed within the tight confines of Higgins's electro guitar riffs and syncopated drum pads. It's summed up best on trailer single 'Perfect World' - a rebellious and biblical anthem flanked by a chorus you could set your watch to.
The same can be said of his contribution on the relentless, synth-stomping 'Move in the Right Direction' - a number aimed squarely at Soho's dancefloors. The sing-speak intro on 'Get A Job' and vintage Madonna sounds on 'Get Lost' are reminiscent of Ditto's solo lounge-pop EP from last year, chanting on the former with brattish charm: "I'd love to stay and party but I've got to go to work."
'Casualty Of War' and 'Into The Wild' mark a brief downtempo section that is both wistful and nostalgic, though there's a feeling they lose their way on latter tracks 'Horns' and 'I Won't Play'. The result may lack Gossip's traditional punk-rock angst, but in this collection of doom pop there's still plenty of heart to be found.
Tracks to download: 'Perfect World', 'Move in the Right Direction', 'Casualties of War', 'Get Lost'.
If you like this, you'll like: La Roux, Le Tigre, Roisin Murphy
Watch Gossip's 'Perfect World' music video below:
