MONTREAL (CUP) — Music for Men, the newest album from the three-piece American soul-punk band Gossip — formerly The Gossip — closely follows their previous Standing in the Way of Control with danceable, punk-laced tracks. Although there is still that cutting, shrill sound reminiscent of their riot grrrl roots, there is a sweaty dance floor, self-empowered energy to the album.

The power of the album is constant, and the songs all hold onto the same sort of sentiment that has garnered the band popularity: resistance and empowerment. Some of the songs are grittier, with jagged guitar and violent drums, while others are mixed with synthesizer and perky piano — but all are danceable. On the tracks that resemble disco, Brace Paine's slinky guitars weave in and out of Hannah Blilie's rapid drum precision.

Beth Ditto's soul-punk vocals are still the sexiest thing I've ever heard — a strong, forceful female voice among many vocally fragile indie waifs. And if some of the songs seem familiar, that might be due to the many homages to vintage: Aretha Franklin and Marvin Gaye, among others.

8th Wonder is like a fierce telling-off, as Ditto's repetition of “and if there's another chance I'll take it” marks it as a rousing post-heartbreak anthem. Heavy Cross is another dance track with Ditto's languid wailing overlapping with gentle synthesizers, before erupting into bursts of forcefulness.

Men in Love might be considered the follow up to Standing in the Way of Control. Echoing Aretha Franklin's Chain of Fools, the song proclaims men “guilty of love in the first degree.” This could be the new anti-shame anthem for gay dance floors across the continent.

Music for Men is about dancing, sex, heartbreak, love and confidence; musically cutting and lyrically charged, this album could break your heart.