Chill (In Our Gun - Gomez)

Member Name: dcoare

Product:	In Our Gun - Gomez
Date:	28/02/04 (44 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Easy Going, Extremely catchy

Disadvantages: Not very mainstream

Gomez formed in October 1996. The band consists of Ian, Ollie, Tom, Blackie, Ben and Dajon.

Ian and Ollie already knew each other when they met Tom and Blackie at college. Ian then met Ben at Sheffield University and after then realising that they would need somebody for percussion, they hired the talents of an old friend, Dajon.

The name “Gomez” came about when they were playing a gig as an un-named band. They made a sign for a friend whose surname was Gomez saying,” Gomez – The gig is here”. People mis-interpretated the sign as a declaration of the bands name, and so it stuck.

And so, after that little history lesson, we move on to the album itself…

Gomez – In our gun.

Shot Shot.

Starts fairly slowly, then immediately jumps into a quirky guitar riff, followed by vocals and a drumbeat featuring wind instruments that quickly identifies itself as the chorus. This song fairly flows along at quite a rapid pace, but ends quickly. The single from this album, it really shoots you off at pace for the deliverance of the rest of the album.

Rex Kramer.

The distinctive vocals of Gomez’s gravel-voiced vocalist protrude through this track. It begins with a synth-sounding intro, with the vocals taking centre stage. The chorus slows down this already slow number. Fantastic track full of feeling.

Detroit Swing 66.

Very catchy riff. Very experimental in places with beats and rhythms coming in which don’t seem to fit, but actually add to the track after several listens.

In Our Gun.

The title track from this album. Starts quietly with a strumming guitar and gently laced vocals. A reflective song, this is a slow number that really shows the capabilities of this most fantastic band. The track ends with a guitar riff that leads into a short instrumental with synth sounds all around.

Even Song.

Slow start, lea
ding into a memorable chorus. Again, gravely vocals lace this track, but really allow you to see what Gomez are about. They can mix it up with the best of them, but their real strength is in the tracks where they just provide a complete ambience. Listening really is a pleasure.

Ruff Stuff.

A synth/guitar mix opens this track, with what sounds like a drum machine kicking in at appropriate moments. A song about giving up what ills us to gain a better life. (maybe!!)

“I’ve given up fags and drugs now, baby”

Sound Of Sounds.

This is the 2nd single from this album, although double A with Ping One Down, this is a reflective effort that quietly reminds you of how good Gomez are.

Army Dub.

Begins with piano playing, to lead into a piano riff. This is then added to with trumpets, and drums to create a fairly up-tempo track. The piano fades away to reveal a track which seems to be an attempt at slower drum and bass, but with singing.

Miles End.

An easygoing strum along track. With the trademark vocals, and a catchy chorus.

Ping One Down.

A very country and blues sounding track. Again, with a fairly memorable chorus and bridge.

1000 Times.

Comes in very acoustically, with guitars and vocals. Carries on in the same vain, but ends to beat opposition with its nostalgic feel. Musically kicks up for an interlude.

Drench.

Acoustically fuelled, but with an edge that is all Gomez’s. Another chorus to die for.

Ballad Of Nice And Easy.

A song which sings of its title, but which is surprisingly slightly up-tempo. A nice easy going finish to a nice and easy album.

Overall.

Gomez are never going to be everybody’s cup of tea, but I can’t help but like them.

They infuse brilliant song writing with a slow/easy style which is, in my opinion, untouchable.

The best way to li
sten to Gomez is either on an easy going day with nothing to do, or just as you go to bed.

I don’t want to make this band sound boring, cause they certainly aren’t, but they are very laid back in their approach. You always get the impression that if they wanted to crank up the tempo, they could, but that’s not what you want with this band.

They produce very easygoing tracks that everybody can appreciate.

This album is quieter and less commercial than the last efforts, but loses nothing for it.

They are very clever musically, and give you a folky/bluesy feel which is best appreciated in your quiet times.

I would recommend this album to anybody, as I believe that it is music that everybody will enjoy, as long as the expectancy isn’t too high.

What Gomez do, they do extremely well.

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