Blog: Mixtape Maestro

It's understandable why longtime Gossip fans might be a little concerned after hearing the now-Portland-based band's new single, "Heavy Cross": with it's semi-polished dance-rock thrust and tinge of disco, it has very little in common with the shaggy blues-rock that defined their earlier output. But damn if it still isn't an epic mind-blower that launches their new major label-backed, Rick Rubin-produced era on an exciting note. It's slow-build intro of tightly-wound guitar, starry-eyed keyboard notes and Beth Ditto's wailing of "a cruel, cruel world" kicks things off thrillingly, but once it's main groove enters the picture [...]

• The Gossip - Heavy Cross (Black Lights Remix)