Gomez: How We Operate (2006) CD Review
See the World, Girlshapedlovedrug, Notice, Hamoa Beach
Jun 26, 2009
Some bands bound into the music scene like a freight train and then struggle to maintain the momentum created by their debut. Others enter in a more unassuming way and grow into their talent. Gomez is most certainly among the latter.
Their debut album Bring It On received its fair share of attention and praise, but their subsequent albums have failed to impress in the same way. Although solid, none of them has quite matched the direct and refined focus of How We Operate.
Gil Norton's Influence On Gomez
After four self-produced albums, Gomez enlisted outside producer Gil Norton (who has worked with bands like the Pixies and the Foo Fighters) to pull together the new tunes on this fifth studio album. Not an easy task when the band in question has frequently been referred to as “genre-less” and they have three lead singers and five songwriters.
But Norton's talent for fully realizing the potential of the band’s raw material has made a significant difference on How We Operate, the most listener and radio-friendly album of Gomez's decade-long career.
What Fans Can Expect From How We Operate
The alluring folksy sound of the record will instantly charm new fans. Longtime fans however, may have to adjust their expectations of a band that has often been known for its unconventional and layered sound. How We Operate says goodbye to the majority of the experimental attributes of the band's voice, and instead concentrates on acoustic folk-rock. The disc bounces with snappy rhythms, can’t-get-them-out-of-your-head lyrics, country infusions and fantastic vocal harmonies.
How We Operate Songs
A favorite on the album, the fetching “Girlshapedlovedrug” is a mix of cheesy fun, brit-pop vocals with flowing verses and a catchy chorus. Similarly, the instantly catchy and somewhat wistful, "See The World" trots along with acoustic guitars, and soulful voices, begging you to sing along. The "sha-la-la" chorus, the admonition to go out and get more from life, and the awesome combination of electric guitars and backing vocals are a sweet joy to listen to, but that doesn't mean theses guys can't still rock out.
Crackling guitar riffs are present in full force on the impatient "Tear Your Love Apart", the kaleidoscopic "How We Operate" begs to played at a higher volume, and "All Too Much" alternates between laid back, ponderous folk and lofty and towering rock anthem. Even when the subject matter gets dark, the band stays light, as in "Chasing Ghosts With Alcohol", which starts as a softened acoustic number before bursting into a blues infested jam.
Longtime fans of Gomez may initially see How We Operate as a step backwards, but It’s really the opposite. The album is by far their best yet. Gomez has never sounded more sure of itself. Removing the experimental layers that have been a trademark of previous albums is a gutsy move that has paid off. How We Operate is solid, the music is interesting, the singing is excellent, and the lyrics are fun. The catchy melodies, tight arrangements, and the alternating lead singers will keep you coming back for more.
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