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

The S.E.T.

Self Evident Truth
Flatspot Records (2026)

Hardcore doesn’t need reinventing; just needs conviction. On Self Evident Truth, Baltimore’s The S.E.T. come out swinging with a debut EP that’s built on exactly that. It’s got groove, urgency, and a clear sense of purpose. Clocking in at around fifteen minutes, the EP wastes no time establishing its identity. From the opening moments of “This Chain,” it’s all forward … Read more

Dashed

Self Titled
Independent (2026)

When a band describes themselves as surf punk, it usually conjures a certain image. Reverb drenched guitars, sunburnt melodies, maybe even a sense of looseness that leans more carefree than chaotic. Dashed doesn’t really fit that mold. On their self-titled LP, they take those familiar elements and run them through something colder, sharper, and far less predictable. Across eleven tracks, … Read more

The Sleeveens

National Anthem
Goner (2026)

National Anthem is the second album from The Sleeveens, a Nashville, TN band fronted by an Irishman. The band play that perfect mix of protopunk and classic rock 'n' roll that's built on a verse/chorus/verse structure and melody without any frills. It's leather jacket music for the common folk. The debut grabbed me by my collar and spun me around … Read more