"A New Tide"
(Eat Sleep Records)
four / ten
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GOMEZ "A New Tide" (Eat Sleep Records)
four / ten |
The first reaction that most people are likely to have upon hearing of the release of a new Gomez album is one of surprise. Didn't they split up years ago?? Well no, they didn't, but given the fare on offer here maybe it would have been better for all concerned if they had given up the ghost sometime around the turn of the millennium.
The Mercury Music Prize has been more of a millstone around the neck for past winners than a milestone (hello Roni Size or M People?) and Gomez are no different. Since the release of that career high, 1998's Bring It On, it's safe to say that the Southport five-piece has struggled to stay in the spotlight and A New Tide is unlikely to change that scenario.
This sixth effort is once again a collection of songs that showcases both their ability as a band and their genre hopping dexterity. Unfortunately said genre hopping extends about as far as the usual bluesy jams and folky strumalongs, which leads to material that ultimately makes no lasting impact upon the listener.
There are moments where Gomez attempt to rise above the mire; 'Win Park Slope' builds in a pleasingly moody fashion, while 'Little Pieces' might be their mini sized stadium rocker. But 'Lost Track' (take your own advice boys) and the stink of Jack Johnson off the likes if 'If I Ask You Nicely' highlight the innate dullness of yet another forgettable Gomez album. The tide may come in, but thankfully it also eventually goes back out.
Alan Morrissey
www.gomeztheband.com
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