Gomez Album: “Liquid Skin”

The strength of their debut led me to buy this CD unheard on the day it was released. Liquid Skin cantains fewer "first-listen-likes" than Bring It On (notably Whipping Picadilly and Arrested), but as is often the case, the "growers" are the stronger tracks, and have much more longevity. My recommendation would be to buy Bring It On first if you don't already own it. If you do, then this contains more of the Tijuana Lady type track, and less of the Warm Trombone! Gomez style is rich and varied, but with a definitive style running through their work. Guitar is dominant, but not to the point of tedium, and the rough formed harmony singing reminds me of The Band (albeit at their loosest.) I hope Gomez continue to develop their style, as another album in this vein would probably be overkill. Personally, I am going to make my own Gomez tape, with my 6 favorites from each of the two CDs.

I bought it on a whim, safe in the knowledge that nothing could knock off my personalalbum of the year pick (Things Fall Apart by the Roots) from its pedestal. But as Liquid Skin's eleven tracks slowly unwound, and as my jaw dropped steadily towards the ground, I realized that I was going to have to rethink my rather premature pick. Maybe I'm letting my giddiness about Liquid Skin override my good judgment, but this is quite frankly one of the best rock albums I have ever purchased. Those pasty-faced lads from Gomez had me sucked in by the first chorus of Hangover, and it just got better from there. Revolutionary Kind has some of the best multiple guitar interplay I've heard, and Las Vegas Dealer is a fun song to crank when you're driving (over the speed limit, preferably). In addition, Rosalita (which sounds like what might happen if the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Pearl Jam got together for a laid-back jam session) is THE sad, beautiful, tongue-in-cheek song of the year. But the album's highlight in my mind is its closer, Devil Will Ride, a song I wish could close every rock album I bought from here on out. It's that perfect. I've always enjoyed songs that make you sing along even if you have no idea what the singer is saying. I still can't imagine what might make someone dislike this album as much as some of the reviewers here, but if you like good, intelligent guitar rock with a little bit of experimentation, Liquid Skin by Gomez will not disappoint.

While casually browsing at my local record store, I noticed a sign posted in the corner listing the "Top 10 For The Holidays" discs of the year by the employees. While their individual tastes and eccentricities were apparent by the huge disparity of musical suggestions (everything from hard rap to classical), there was one glaring constant. Gomez : Liquid Skin. After inquiring, I immediately had the attention of several aforementioned employees, who passionately regaled me with glowing praise of this band and and album. So I bought it. Damn glad I did too. "Revolutionary Kind" grabbed me from the beginning and it justs gets better from there. These guys display a musical maturity that is refreshing in this age of musical dreck we are subjected to every radio day. They are difficult to pinpoint regarding style and influence, but like the best in any profession, simply borrow/innovate/adapt what they desire into something unique and special. A musical gestalt. Since then I have acquired "Bring It On" and a "Live" disc as well. Both have been extremely satisfying. Looking forward to more.

I took a gamble when I purchased this album. I'd heard a few singles such as "Rhythm and Blues Alibi" and "We Haven't Turned Around" and reasoned that a greater selection of their work would be fairly solid. What I hadn't counted on was the possibility that this album would blow me away with its rich textures, raw energy, and funky unplugged flavour. Gomez is unlike any band I have ever heard before and are almost impossible to categorize. At first listen it almost seems as though they are creating their music using only their voices and whatever happens to be within arm's reach, such is the rough, raw edge of their songs. At closer inspection you begin to appreciate the sheer amount of talent these boys have. From acoustic little ditties such as "Revolutionary Kind" and "Hangover", to beautiful ballads like "We Haven't Turned Around" and "California", each song on Liquid Skin is unique in it's own right. If your ears are weary of the same old radio fodder and you're shopping for something refreshingly different, look no further.

I recently saw Gomez live at the Roseland Ballroom in NYC after a few months of listening to "Liquid Skin" and "Bring it On". They owned the stage and put on an impressive show. "Liquid Skin" continues their tradition of homegrown music for the thinking person. "Hangover" opens the album with a beautiful, soaring vocal. It's truely a pleasure to listen to. Other major highlights include "We Haven't Turned Around", "Rhythm and Blues Alibi", and the last song (the title alludes me right now). These guys meld unique keyboard and guitar sounds to create amazing songs. I encourage everyone to check out their first album "Bring it On" as well. In many respects, it's better than "Liquid Skin". But "Liquid Skin" provides us with another honest, innovative performance by the U.K.'s best band no one's ever heard of.