Review: Gomez

Ian Ball of Gomez. Photos by Sue Pfannmuller, Special to The Star

British rock band Gomez opened its North American tour Friday at Crossroads KC.  The quintet attracted a respectably-sized audience of approximately 400, but it's hardly what most observers would have envisioned for the band a dozen years ago.

"Bring It On," Gomez' 1998 debut, won the prestigious Mercury Prize for best album of the year in the U.K..  Fans and critics were quick to burden Gomez with complementary comparisons to the Beatles.  Like the Fab Four, Gomez boasts multiple vocalists and songwriters who possess a rare gift for creating mesmerizing melodies.  The dazzlingly talented members of Gomez were even considered cute and cuddly when they arrived on the scene.  

The dubious label of "the new Beatles" probably did more harm than good.  Although its music has remained artistically compelling, Gomez has achieved relatively modest commercial success.  Friday's rare Kansas City appearance validated the loyalty of Gomez's diehard fans.  Their allegiance hasn't been misplaced.  Most consumers of popular music are missing out on an extraordinarily accessible and eminently likable ensemble.

Its 90-minute performance contained a satisfying blend of perfect pop songs, fine roots rock and a couple jam-oriented breakdowns.  Much of the set list showcased material from the new release Whatever's On Your Mind, Gomez's seventh studio album.  Unlike the music offered in the sturdy solo-acoustic opening set by singer-songwriter Mike Doughty, Gomez gilds its pop foundation with ornate instrumentation.  Songs like "Whippin' Piccadilly" resemble mashups of Buddy Holly and Pink Floyd.  Imaginative arrangements invest otherwise simplistic songs like "Hangover" with seemingly epic importance.

Ben Ottewell

The band's unassuming demeanor and frequent pulls from bottles of beer failed to mask its talent.  Extended soloing during the foreboding "Get Miles" conveyed a convincing sense of menace.  Conversely, the playfully psychedelic "Ruff Stuff" was transformed into a glorious goof.  While the members of Gomez are fine instrumentalists, they're even better vocalists.  Although most songs featured remarkable vocal interplay, Gomez is at its best when Ben Ottewell sings lead.  With a voice that sounds as if it belongs to a Delta blues man rather than to a bespectacled Brit, Ottewell's ferocious roar on songs like "Bring It On" was astonishing. 

The collective voice of the audience was featured on "Get Myself Arrested" and "See the World."  It's difficult to understand why the latter song wasn't a chart-topping hit.  The new song "Options" is no less memorable.  Gomez is neither better nor bigger than the Beatles.  On an ideal summer evening in Kansas City, however, no one held that against the band.  

| Bill Brownlee, Special to The Star

Gomez' set list

Comments

[Green]

400 at Crossroads KC, that seems really small, maybe 311 / sublime took away the crowd. Was it all ages? I dont think gomez gets any help from the radio stations here in town either, not sure I could even pick out one of their songs. At least the people there had close views and room to dance.

[bob]

" 400 at Crossroads KC"

Crossroads attendence numbers are damning this summer. We all make fun of that guy that constantly bitches about the mulch, but maybe he is on to something. Also, my old beef, there are way too many concert venues competing against each other. I sort of doubt the 311/Sublime crowd would have gone to this show, but there were plenty other concerts last night that may have. I always know a concert is in trouble when The Bridge is giving away tickets like crazy on Facebook.

[fiddler]

first i've ever heard of them. but that's not unusual. i feel lost in some dark corner of my past.

but the band sounds interesting and that's why i come to this site all the time, even if i stay tethered to the tried and true.

thanks for the review bill. - mt

[Andy]

great shoot

[pellboy]

I have two of their albums, How We Operate and A New Tide and I like both of them alot. Never seen them live, but unfortunately could do only one show this weekend and was more committed to Dave Alvin which certainly didn't disappoint.

[KevRocket]

My wife & I bought tix to this show only because Civil Twilight were originally slated as the opener. They backed out about 3 weeks ago. We had trouble giving our tickets away however we finally found a friend of a friend who was interested.

I am very intrigued about all these comparisons to The Beatles. Really?!? I'm a huge Beatles fan and what song samples I pulled up on the net didn't sound ANYTHING like the Beatles. Plus they didn't sound very engaging or intriguing. Apparently I need to hear more than a sample.

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