Review / 200 Words Or Less
Gospel Gossip
Dreamland

Guilt Ridden Pop (2009) — Sean K.

Gospel Gossip – Dreamland cover artwork
Gospel Gossip – Dreamland — Guilt Ridden Pop, 2009

Having never heard of this band before, I had no idea what to expect. Thankfully I was pleasantly surprised by the music on this EP length release. Taking the best guitar effects from 80's pop and welding it to a fierce backbeat, this one emerges from the morass and rises above. Lyrics you can make out and actual songwriting chops-absolutely amazing! "Nashville" rocks along gleefully to start out. But "Pre-Med (Just In Case)" is the true gem here. If Pylon and Wire Train had recorded a record together, it may have sounded something like this. So buy Dreamland and maybe we will get a chance to see how they bring it live. Top notch.

8.5 / 10 — Sean K. • September 13, 2010

Gospel Gossip – Dreamland cover artwork
Gospel Gossip – Dreamland — Guilt Ridden Pop, 2009

Recently-posted album reviews

Psycho Beets

Horrendum
Trash Wax, White Riot Records (2026)

ALBUM HIGHLIGHTS – “Mam w sobie diabła”, “Zombie”, “Listopadowa noc”, “Porque te vas” Fancy some Polish psychobilly punk? Well, you’re in luck. This is for anyone who takes their classic rock ’n’ roll swing with a heavy dose of horror and dark Western twang, blending rockabilly elements with Slavic folk and chaotic yet mysterious post punk -– all as the … Read more

Manicdotes

Eight Lives Down
Independent (2026)

The chemicals are rushing right out of the gate on this one. You start with a cigarette and dive straight into Diphenhydramine (Benadryl, to the lay person) to calm your nerves from that nicotine rush. This album starts off with a raucous acoustic punk number that will leave you craving more. So, it’s a good thing it’s only the first … Read more

Maruja

Pain to Power
Music For Nations (2025)

ALBUM HIGHLIGHTS – “Look Down on Us”, “Born to Die”, “Break the Tension”, “Trenches” Ahead of their 100 Club appearance this September, Maruja’s latest release, 2025’s debut album Pain to Power – following a slew of six EPs, reveals awe-inspiring experimental rock clashed with muddy yet always melodious free jazz. Eclectic would be putting it mildly. In amongst all that, … Read more