GOMEZ

A New Tide

2009-04-20

Honestly, there's not a whole lot not to like from Gomez's latest, A New Tide. One of the major strengths of this album is their ability to mix things up quite literally, utilizing lead vocals from three different front-men - Ben Ottewell, Ian Ball and Tom Gray. Still, it's Ottewell's voice that surfaces the most here. Sounding remarkably like Dave Matthews, Ottewell carries the weight of lead vocals well, especially on the short but sweet "Little Pieces" where he belts: "Pieces falling from me / you can have them for free / I've never felt so complete / pieces falling from me." Some of the best stuff here, though, are when the two others take the reign. For instance, on the well-done opener "Mix," Ian Ball offers a completely different sound vocally while Tom Gray carries the vocals on another equally appealing track, "If I ask nicely." But it gets better, such as on the beautiful and violin backed "Win Park Slope" that even manages to incorporate some electronic elements as well. Another track to check out is the most commercially viable and quite appropriately their first single from this release - "Airstream Driver." Here, it's Ian Ball singing on the percussion heavy pop song that is sure to garner several spins. Overall, while there isn't really any theme musically or even lyrically, what Gomez has created here are songs that are simply a pleasure to listen to. -Reviewed by Jeff Bouma

Quick Links:

More reviews tagged #Rock

  • reviewed 07/2011

    THE DEER TRACKS
    The Archer Trilogy Pt. 2

  • reviewed 10/2006

    THE DECEMBERISTS
    The Crane Wife

  • reviewed 11/2011

    MULTI -ARTIST
    THE BRIDGE SCHOOL CONCERTS 25'TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

  • reviewed 05/2011

    HERE WE GO MAGIC
    The January EP

  • reviewed 06/2009

    SON VOLT
    American Central Dust

  • reviewed 04/2006

    Deep Fried Pickle Project
    Whitewood Creek

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.