Gomez - Split The Difference

This album should rightfully displease even the keenest clientele of the remaining Gomez fan-base. What with the 1998 Mercury Music Award standing proudly on their mantle-piece, it's funny how status can change so drastically. Once a beloved band of the music press and students alike, the World really was theirs for the taking.

An extended absence (so unwise in this fickle industry of ever-changing scenes) sees the band drop their strong rootsy blues past for a patchy, tuneless Americanised sound. Their recognisable use of acoustic guitars, bongos and squelchy analog synth doodlings which drew obvious Beta Band comparisons can still be found in some sorts, although it's now more a case of half-arsed (old) students, than skilled musicians.

More upbeat and transparently urgent, it's no garage revival band. Even with the desperate attempt to incorporate trashy guitars and ill-placed scuzzy. Only an obvious single would save the day, alas it seems to have skipped by. Maybe next time around?

It took so long to return, but should never have been permitted. Sadly little more than sixth form music, from the band who clearly never really grew up.