England's Gomez never reached the level of stardom that pundits predicted for them, and were dropped from their label last year after four full-lengths. Time to go in the tank? Not a chance.
With live performance being Gomez's main outlet at the moment, the buzz on their shows has been particularly strong. Gomez boasts three distinctive lead singers who can join voices in taut harmonies. The band deftly blends vibrant songcraft, jammy sensibilities, psychedelia, Brit-rock and roots Americana. If that sounds like an improbable alchemy, trust your faithful critic - it works. Gomez will likely play a short set, seeing as they're opening for Cake, which is too bad (no disrespect to Cake). So: If you go to see Cake, do yourself a favor and don't miss the warm-up act; if you're going to see Gomez, good idea; if you haven't given much thought to attending at all, go and check out both - especially Gomez.
Gomez, opening for Cake, Sun. April 10, at Jannus Landing in St. Petersburg. Doors open at 7 p.m. $31.
-Eric Snider
