lambchops's Full Review: Split the Difference by Gomez
Gomez has already proven their worth with their first two albums Bring It On (1998) and Liquid Skin (1999). The former actually won them the coveted Mercury Music Prize and yielded a string of hits (not to mention commercial and critical acclaim). Liquid Skin is the lesser of the two albums but it still struck a definite chord.
However the British band hit a snag with their lackluster third album In Our Gun (2002). Whereas the first two had a definite direction and cohesive vision, this album did not. It felt a bit as though they had “sold out” and instead of making music to please themselves they made a half-hearted attempt to please those who they perceived to be fans. In the end, In Our Gun was painfully disappointing and not even remotely what I’d hoped for.
Apparently, I wasn’t alone in my distaste. After regrouping, the five-piece rock band returned with the appropriately titled Split the Difference. Once again relying heavily on the multiple contrasting vocals of Ben Ottewell (also guitar), Tom Gray (also guitar, keyboard) and Ian Ball (also guitar, harmonica), Gomez proves that their sound is distinctive and interesting. Rounded out by Paul Blackburn (bass, guitar) and Olly Peacock (drums) the guitar-heavy lineup is very different than their contemporaries which tend to turn away from straight ahead rock n’ roll and toward electronica or neo-psychedelia or even pop.
Split the Difference represents the band’s conscious effort to split the sonic difference between their earlier two albums and their more mainstream but badly received third release. Gomez turns back to their rock roots and releases any of their unfortunate previous jaunts into mainstream pop and electronica (mind you those were some ill-fitting shoes). I find it difficult to believe that the band will ever be able to surpass Bring It On, but however you dissect Split the Difference is a gallant attempt at doing so.
Having never worked with an outside producer, Gomez humbly brought in Tchad Blake (Soul Coughing, Bonnie Raitt, Pearl Jam) to tweak their music. In the end, I’m relieved that the band has returned to their tried-and-true formula. They are rock and roll—a modern and somehow also rather American variety which proves ambitious and appealing at every turn. Split the Difference is an easy, consistent effort amply stocked with catchy rock tunes and heart-felt ballads.
Of the thirteen songs contained here, not one is problematic. Some are less appealing to me as an individual, but I’m convinced that there is something here for all fans of Gomez and more generally open-minded rock enthusiasts. The festivities kick off with Do One, but it is with These 3 Sins and Silence that the album takes shape. These 3 Sins is a groovy, hip song complete with fantastic drumming from Peacock and a memorable, catchy melody. Silence rocks with an infectious, lovely sound and amazing vocals. It is certainly one of the most memorable songs—especially when you consider the chorus.
There are of course other moments of note from the languid Me, You and Everybody through the ballad Sweet Virginia. But despite all the diversity and all the facets, I still find myself drawn to the upbeat/catchy offerings. The single Catch Me Up is one of those songs with the slightly muffled vocals, the kinetic tempo, and also the great guitar work (not to mention the melody). There are other examples of songs that jump out at me including the gritty Where Ya Going? featuring Ottewell’s outstanding growl, the bluesy cover of Junior Kimbrough’s Meet Me in the City, and the wild Chicken Out.
Split the Difference is a refreshing album that at worst is better average and at best reeks of the genius Gomez have in the past proven they are. This is a good, bordering on great album worth checking out.
Rating: 4/5 stars
Track Listing:
01. Do One
02. These 3 Sins
03. Silence
04. Me, You and Everybody
05. We Don’t Know Where We’re Going
06. Sweet Virginia
07. Catch Me Up
08. Where Ya Going?
09. Meet Me in the City
10. Chicken Out
11. Extra Special Guy
12. Nothing Is Wrong
13. There It Was
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