Gomez + Grant Ley
20 years ago (before I was even born mind), Gomez burst onto the scene with their Mercury Prize-winning debut album. Despite being a long time listener (though originally, an unwitting one, owing to my Dad’s unwillingness to compromise on road trip music), I have never quite considered myself a fan. So this gig was one of those that could have gone either way. As a big lover of smaller gig spaces, I was secretly pleased when Gomez were moved to the Waterfront from the Nick Rayns LCR. We arrived on time, unlike most of the crowd, due to a last minute change and earlier opening of the doors. But there was still a definite buzz to the small group in attendance, most of whom had crowded forward, as usual to claim the front of stage positions.
Local Norwich act Grant Ley was a last minute surprise, though who on earth knows what happened to Russo, the band originally on the bill [they got a slot at Reading Festival, but you can catch them supporting Black Honey in October! - Ed]. He himself only found out he was playing the day before the gig, as he informed us in his chatty and good natured set. The set consisted of Grant and his acoustic guitar. Whilst the songs might have had the potential to bore, they were actually quite engaging and personal, particularly Soldier, which I think touched a few people more than they were expecting. At the end of the day, Grant Ley was good fun to watch, despite not being my particular taste. The sing-alongs ended up enticing most of the crowd into a good mood, and the occasional foot tap.
Unfortunately for Grant, I would be hard pressed to choose a support act that would successfully stand up to what proved to be an awesome performance by Gomez. Stunning bluesy vocals accompanied their unmistakable mix of rock, blues and country. Before half of the first song was over the room was literally buzzing (not to fall back on clichés). The rest of the set did not disappoint. As they progressed through their now 20 year old, Mercury Award winning album, with a couple of additions, it was clear that they still have it. Rie’s Wagon was treated to an epic interlude of drumming, and even the more gentle songs like Bubblegum Years were rocked up a little, whilst maintaining a pleasant soulfulness. Alongside Ben Ottewell’s unique vocals, every member sang at least once, and not one of them disappointed. As well as this, systematic instrument swaps proved their skill and versatility as artists. The whole band had oodles of stage presence and talent, and even though they performed to the max, the gig had a laid back, effortless feel. Gomez seemed to enjoy the gig almost as much as the rest of us, and the highlight for me was seeing the pure joy on their faces at the reception they got from the crowd, who sang every song back to the band with zest.
The band are now continuing their 20th anniversary tour, and boy is the rest of the UK in for a treat. Having now been treated to a frankly fantastic evening of music, Gomez have transformed me from casual listener to genuine fan.
