Today it seems that any band with the support of MTV can make it big. Little talent is necessary, just a major label deal and a few good looking faces. Such is the state of rock and roll today. And unfortunately for many kids growing up in the era they have had little exposure to really great music and are instead content to buy up copies discs from sound-alike nü-metal acts. It is a sorry state of affairs, but there is still hope for the genre on the whole with truly talented and absolutely creative acts like Gomez sticking to amazing and old fashioned rock and roll.
While much of the music today is not appealing to a wide variety of people, Gomez is pretty universally likable. Using traditional rock guitars, drums and the like the British band has in the matter of just three albums revolutionized the industry not by selling millions…but by making truly great music. With a unique yet comfortable sound that is a cross between Beck and Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, Gomez is a very welcome presence. Their blues-rock is an unexpected release from the usual British trends of trip-hop, electronica, indie pop, retro, and space rock. And it is this infusion of traditional and blues elements that should make the band and their albums incredibly attractive to a broad audience.
Gomez came into being in 1996. Consisting of five members, the band has to date released three albums of new material and one of rarities and b-sides (Abandoned Shopping Trolley Hotline) in addition to a ton of EPs and singles. With Ben Ottewell providing smoky, bluesy vocals and a guitar; Tom Gray with his own vocals, a guitar, and keyboards; Paul Blackburn on bass; Olly Peacock on drums; and Ian Ball as a jack of all trades (guitar, vocals, various percussion), Gomez deserves a slot in any rock collection. Regardless of age or usual listening habits this band should be of interest. OK. Maybe if you’re into death metal exclusively, Gomez should be skipped. Otherwise, please listen up.
Upon the release of Bring It On in 1998 it was clear that Gomez was special. Not just that, but the album was awarded the Mercury Music Prize over established and diverse acts like Pulp (This Is Hardcore), Cornershop (When I Was Born for the 7th Time), Verve (Urban Hymns), Massive Attack (Mezzanine), Robbie Williams (Life Through A Lens) and Catatonia (International Velvet). And if forced to choose favorites, Bring It On ranks as the band’s best to date. But don’t think that they suffered from a case of sophomore slump. No way.
Liquid Skin appeared on shelves just a year later. While not quite as surprising as Bring it On, the album still possesses some intriguing and ultimately wonderful qualities. Some critics argue that the major label support and professional studio time have hindered the growth of Gomez, I disagree. On this second outing, Gomez expounds on the musical ideas explored earlier. While not make any major leaps creativity, the band is able to at least make use of the equation employed on Bring it On. And in the case of Liquid Skin even with minimal tweaking Gomez still rocks the house.
From the beginning to end of this eleven-song disc, listeners will find themselves completely entertained although not particularly enlightened. But there’s a lot to be said for a band that can so completely amuse even if lyrically lacking at times. And as far as length goes…well, Liquid Skin is perfect. Not too much or too little of a good thing to spoil the fun.
Beginning with Hangover it is clear that Gomez can hold their own among today’s best artists. An emotionally gripping song full of wailing vocals perfectly fitting to a blues-rock track, Hangover is full of the elements that make for memorable music. Feeling like a jam session, but also concise and intelligent it is the perfect kickoff to a damn fine album.
Continuing on, Liquid Skin ebbs and flows. Revolutionary Kind comes and goes with little fanfare. But when Bring It On starts in, it is crystalline that Gomez has once again assembled a fabulously evocative and unforgettable song. Once again the band performs as though jamming on stage. You can feel the angst, the pain, yet also the light at the end of the tunnel. Bring It On is a masterful blues-rock offering. Even the lyrics are worth mentioning on this one, though the words are probably meant to sound good together rather than be profound:
If I was inordinately different
Than what you say
I'd lie, I would lie
If you could release me now
You know that I won't hesistate
To lie, I would lie
And then there’s Blue Moon Rising, yet another blues rock epic from the uber-talented Gomez. While it is absolutely invigorating on its own, there are some similar songs on the album. Great song…just not enough variance for my taste. Las Vegas Dealer is an equally adept song and with the heavy use of keyboards it gives a bit different swagger to the otherwise strictly blues-rock album.
We Haven’t Turned Around is an impressive song. Softly elegant, Gomez slows to a snail’s pace without bogging the album (or the song) down. The acoustic guitars are wonderfully fitting while the vocals are just as one would hope, full and evocative. Without question this is my favorite song of Liquid Skin. The pace once again changes (this time for the worse) on Fill My Cup. But Gomez soon redeems credibility.
Rhythm & Blues Alibi is the last truly wonderful song on the disc. The sparse nature of the track combined with minimal guitars and percussion, and harmonious vocals makes for a resonant offering. It is hard to knock on Gomez in any substantial way. They are innately talented.
The album wraps up with a trio of less-perfect songs. Are they bad? Not by a long shot, but their length bogs down the otherwise decent musical ideas. Even though Rosalita, California and Devil Will Ride aren’t exactly brilliant they are worth hearing. With that said, all of Liquid Skin is worth hearing.
Gomez is a must-hear act. Especially notable are Bring It On, Liquid Skin, and Abandoned Shopping Trolley Hotline. Unfortunately for the band and fans alike the most recent (2002) In Our Gun is also the most forgettable. So if you enjoy good ol’ fashioned rock and roll with a touch of blues you’d be best advised to pick up on Gomez.
Rating: 4 /5 stars
Track Listing:
01. Hangover | 02. Revolutionary Kind | 03. Bring It On | 04. Blue Moon Rising | 05. Las Vegas Dealer | 06. We Haven’t Turned Around | 07. Fill My Cup | 08. Rhythm & Blues Alibi | 09. Rosalita | 10. California | 11. Devil Will Ride
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