photos by Jim Bennett
Known for their straightforward, minimal, yet precisely orchestrated rock sound, Gomez is just weeks away from releasing their sixth studio album in ten years. Titled A New Tide, the album is sure to feature all the pop hooks longtime fans expect from the British quintent.
If the recently released single “Airstream Driver” is any indication of the direction the rest of the album takes, listeners can expect a new take on lead singer Ian Bell’s vocals as layered telephonic filters wash over his usually crystalline voice. Along with the changes in vocal styling, the single features heavy guitar distortion, a relentlessly driving drum beat, and chunky synths that tie the whole affair together into a beautiful pop gem.
In and out of the studio over the course of 2008, Gomez has peppered their schedule with numerous tour dates with the likes of Dave Matthews, The Black Keys, The Hives, and Jamie Liddell. No stranger to the yearly marathon of music in Austin, Gomez will share the stage at SXSW with Cursive, M. Ward, and Crystal Antlers. Immediately following their appearance at the festival the band will head out on a co-headlining, stateside tour with troubadour Josh Ritter.
Featured many times on KEXP, Gomez is certain to delight fans with their personalized brand of guitar-driven pop music. You can listen to an intimate in-studio performance from 2004 right here on KEXP.org.
2 Comments
Where were Ben and the other guy? Ian Ball is not the only lead singer.
Good catch. My fault.