Gomez - A New Tide (Eat Sleep Records) Gomez return with an album written from disparate locations across the globe and joined together online - not that you would notice from the way it all fits together. With their typical growling guitar and mixed vocals this is classic stuff and songs like 'Natural Reaction' and 'Airstream Driver' are up there with the best things they have ever recorded. As on all their records, each track is a multi-layered piece, constructed from plucked guitar lines, shuffling percussion and coming together with those vocals to grab a chorus from nowhere. They recorded this stuff in Chicago with producer Brian Deck who has worked with the likes of Modest Mouse and Iron & Wine; also present are a number of guest musicians including Amy Milan, Josh Abrams and Oliver Krauss. It all adds to the mix of course but without the songs the quality musicianship would be wasted. From the upbeat groove of 'If I Ask You Nicely' to the mellow roll of 'Lost Track' though these are lovely pieces and maybe it's the vocals again but I've always been drawn into Gomez records without being able to escape - and this one is no exception. Ian M. Review originally published by CMU Music Network www.cmumusicnetwork.co.uk Next