Even after a blatant move to accessible, radio-friendly pop upon signing to Dave Matthews ATO label, British five-piece Gomez still has some tricks up its sleeve. For starters, the bands songwriting remains a clever, seamless amalgamation of rock, folk-rock, blues, and psychedelia — with all of those elements toned down into a palatable pop blend. It is somewhat unfortunate that Gomez has shorn off its rougher edges on its last two albums, because the band was initially poised to bring some much-needed respectability back to pop music. Gomezs resident songwriters nonetheless still demonstrate so much skill at putting twists on pop formula that one barely notices the depth of what they manage to slip-in. Gomezs ingenuity is even less noticable these days, but should still grab the attention of even the most pop-averse listener.
Mon., July 27, 8 p.m., 2009
