Albums by this artist

Split The Difference (2004)

In Our Gun (2002)

Gomez

In Our Gun

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» WESTERN HOMES | STAFF WRITER

Gomez In Our Gun Virgin, 2002 RiYL: Radiohead, The Band, Pearl Jam's No Code

In this postmillennial music world, bands like Gomez have even shorter shelf lives than "Star Wars: Episode II" merchandise. The band released an acclaimed first album, a mediocre follow-up, and a double-disc "rarities" set (with Beatles cover!) in seemingly shorter time than it takes Kevin Shields to open his mail. But here it is 2002 already and Gomez have a third album.

In Our Gun for the most part winningly mixes Gomez's prog-blues leanings with wacky keyboards. Call it "Kid B-minus." "Ruff Stuff" in particular sounds like the soundtrack to an early 8-bit NES game (perhaps "Rush'n Attack") wedded to acoustic guitars and an unassuming vocal. "Shot Shot" is a fine, jittery single with a monster chorus and several sharp turns. The album improves on its languid predecessor Liquid Skin both in terms of economy and hooks, and the songs here largely don't outstay their welcomes (although the overly earnest "Sound Of Sounds" stands out as one candidate for deletion).

On its first album, Bring It On, the band integrated analog keyboard fuzz into simple song structures with the gleeful ease of a chemistry student adding acid to base. In Our Gun at times recalls that odd-yet-unforced sound. "Detroit Swing 66" has it. "Army Dub," however, sounds contrived, with the human vocals out of place over the burble.

If you liked Gomez's other albums, you'll probably find something to listen to on In Our Gun. It's an okay album; not nearly as overproduced as Liquid Skin nor as unnecessary as Abandoned Shopping Trolley Hotline. It isn't anywhere near the stellar debut, though, which is quickly becoming a tag Gomez is sick of hearing. Maybe they should put the keyboards down for a bit.

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