Gomez - Webster Hall (New York) - Wednesday, June 21, 2006

by Rachel Pesin
24 June 2006

I love GOMEZ. They’re one of those bands I always put on the backburner until they come around again (they’re a relentless touring band; this was my ninth time seeing them in 4 years), when I realize just why I love them: because they are unbelievably talented, engaging, and fun to see live.

One thing I’ll never understand is why Gomez’s brand of TOM WAITS meets GRATEFUL DEAD blues-rock doesn’t earn them a huge following, especially because they have mass appeal. I believe that if fans of the DAVE MATTHEWS BAND and PHISH found out about them, Gomez too would play stadiums. As it is, the audience is filled with people of all ages who like to get high and get down. At times, they’re more entertaining to watch than the band! And there are a few songs where the band jams and before you know it you’ve “lost yourself in the music.”

Everything about a Gomez show is just about perfect. First, you get your money’s worth, as they play for over 90 minutes. Second, you get about 20 of their best songs, culled from all six of their excellent albums, that run the gamut from slow and soulful to fast and upbeat. Third, you get a band full of excellent musicians. Not only is there a bassist and three unbelievable lead singers who also play guitar and keyboard, but there is also a drummer with the fullest kit I’ve ever seen as well as an extra, fully-loaded percussion section complete with more drums, bongos, cowbells, and everything else you could possibly want.

It’s a simple equation: great songs + great musicians + a great experience = a band worth seeing, time and time again.

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