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 / 10Sean K. • September 13, 2010

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

Recently-posted album reviews

Rufio

From The Outside
Double Felix Records, Double Helix Records (2026)

“Rufio?! Like from back in the day Rufio?” Those were the words out of my mouth while claiming my next review. I wore out Perhaps, I Suppose as a teenager and my curiosity piqued. It has been 25 years since that album was released and 16 years since we have heard from Rufio at all. Regardless of these facts, we … Read more

Oddfellows

Oddfellows
Dirtnap, Wild Honey Records (2026)

The self-titled album from Oddfellows was a long time coming. As in, the band formed in 1994. Now in 2026, they return with founding members Chris Pulliam, Mark Ryan, and Mike Throneberry, plus new addition Peter Salisbury to release their debut album just 32 years later. This lineup means you're going to get a Marked Men reference right away, but … Read more

Cel Ray

Cel Rayzer
Exploding In Sound Records (2026)

I don’t remember how, but I stumbled across Chicago’s Cel Ray in 2023 on the heels of their debut EP, Cellular Raymond. I was immediately hooked. After another EP and a single, the band finally brings us their debut long player, Cel Rayzer. To no surprise, it’s excellent. Cel Ray plays a brand of post-punk that’s lo-fi and streamlined. Singer … Read more