When our crew balled up to The Corner to see British alt-folk-rockers Gomez, I was struck by how many hairless heads there were in the crowd. It shouldn’t have been shocking, I suppose, as Gomez themselves are touring in celebration of 15 years together. The crowd was totally exultant but super serious in their sense of privilege to see the five-piece do their thing.
The set opened with Bring It On, the harmonies during which were far more apparent than in the recorded track, and it was a truly beautiful mesh of voices. Drummer Olly Peacock also shone during an extended breakdown before the slowed coda.
Guitarist/vocalist/keys player Tom Gray led the beautiful Hangover Girl, prior to which he reminded the audience that they wouldn’t be seeing a Gomez show again in a long time (which is said so often it suggests never again), which made the line “It’s gona rain when I get home” sort of bittersweet. The off-beat ride from Peacock sent this one soaring, as did the ever-present growl of stand-out vocalist Ben Ottewell under everything.
Rhythm And Blues Alibi was typically gorgeous and showed off some very intricate guitar work, with interlacing lead melodies from Ottewell and vocalist/guitarist Ian Ball. During Get Myself Arrested the entire band was having great fun with the slowly sped-up outtro; Ottewell pumped his fist in the air, the neck of his guitar held up high like the staff of that monkey in The Lion King, and a massive cymbal-filled conclusion from Peacock. Ottewell then told us it was Peacock’s birthday, so we all sang the requisite tune and then I threw my underwear at him. Peacock is actually a fantastic drummer; he’s got a slightly embellished kit, tom- and cymbal-wise, but he never abuses it, only ever playing the most succinct accents.
We Haven’t Turned Around burst into bloom towards the end of the set, with Gray recreating the cello sound on synth. It was realistic but thankfully didn’t go into Uncanny Valley. The final three songs were all met with raucous enthusiasm: Whippin’ Piccadilly, Tijuana Lady and Devil Will Ride. It appeared the final one hadn’t been played recently, with Gray remarking “Let’s see how this goes,” but perhaps that’s just my ego talking as it was one I voted for. “It’s a stomp and a clap,” explained Gray, and the whole place bashed along to farewell Gomez for, I think, but hopefully not, ever.
BY ZOË RADAS
LOVED: Bold open snare on Rosalita – why don’t more drummers use this?
HATED: Having to cheer with my face pointed towards the ceiling, like a bloody fountain, so as not to upset fans in front.
DRANK: Champagne and beer, one after the other.
