Crossroads are a bitch. A total crapshoot. They either end up propelling you towards greatness or they drag you down into mediocrity. After being dropped from Virgin Records in 2004, Gomez found themselves staring down the barrel of their career. As Radiohead so aptly put it: "Where do we go from here? The words are coming out all weird where are you now? That I need you..." Signing with ATO Records in 2005 proved to be the catalyst they needed, and hooking up with legendary producer Gil Norton (Pixies, Foo Fighters) was the breath of fresh air they so deperately deserved. For How We Operate (out May 2), Gomez didn't set out to reinvent the wheel. The Bristish quintet just wanted to change the blueprint for a different sort of rounded object: their own records. With influences ranging from Nirvana to Woody Guthrie, Motown singles to barbershop quartets, Gomez have managed to incorporate all these influences into the best album in their catalogue. There's always been a certain ragged glory to Gomez, and How We Operate retains and revitalizes that glory- and presents it in a more gripping, cohesive form. A definite contender for album of the year. For your listening (dis)pleasure:


Gomez: Notice

Gomez: How We Operate

Gomez: Hamoa Beach

Gomez: All Too Much