Rating: 4/5

IT’S been three years since Gossip have graced us with an LP and given the trio’s previous eclectic offerings, you could be forgiven for not knowing what to expect with their fifth album.

Frontwoman Beth Ditto apparently listened to nothing but Abba in the build-up to A Joyful Noise, which gives an indication as to what listeners can expect here.

Move In The Right Direction has a distinct Bjorn and co feel about it, but this is an album drenched in authenticity.

Forget angular guitars, this release is about sashaying and swishing to disco beats. From the electro-infused Get A Job, to the searching Casualties Of War and likely club anthem Get Lost, Ditto’s vocals are as soulful as ever on this solidly strong album, which proves why the group’s fanbase is as broad as their back catalogue.

Polly Weeks