What's the Gossip all about?

MANILA, Philippines - The genre-bending DIY post-punk rock trio Gossip brings a new level of lyrical power and musical sophistication to its ever-evolving, always-electrifying sound and sensibility in Music For Men, the indie group’s first major label studio album.

According to Gossip guitarist and music creator Brace Paine, the idea of calling the band’s new album Music For Men comes straight from Beth Ditto, the Gossip’s iconoclastic lead singer and charismatic front-person. “It’s like a feminist joke,” Brace offers by way of wry explanation.

And while the Gossip incorporates a deft sense of cultural irony into Music For Men, there’s nothing confusing about the post-punk trio’s musical approach: Direct and visceral, pulsing with a raw and unapologetic animal energy, drummer Hannah Blilie’s propulsive rhythms interlocking with Brace’s heart-pounding riffs and Beth’s aggressive and cathartic vocals.

Music For Men marks the group’s first full-length studio collection since its signature anthem-of-empowerment, Standing In The Way of Control, broke out big in 2006. It is the first new music from the group since the release of its major label debut, Live In Liverpool.

On board to make sure the Gossip got the studio sound it was looking for was producer Rick Rubin, who helped the band find its own distinct groove in every track.

Music For Men is now out in CDs under Sony Music.