One of my favorites on the album, “Charley Patton Songs” is no doubt one of those make-your-heart-melt melodies. A poetic piece that gives all three vocalists the opportunity to show off their excellent musicianship with intense harmonies.
The “bells and whistles” Gomez are so well known for faithfully reappear here (especially in the form of gongs) to lead the song to a momentous climax. And as always, the presence of this unusual percussion is incredibly inviting to the ear.
Another standout track, “All Too Much” is a throwback to those 70’s big-stadium concert events. The all-powerful, passionate voice flowing out of Ottewell belongs in an arena where it can resonate in all its rock n’ roll splendor — an infectious, bluesy ballad definitely worth sharing with a large crowd.
Although the majority of Gomez fans favor their older albums over HWO, I find this one to be their best yet. They’ve developed a more balanced sound while still incorporating their main ingredients: blues, folk and country rhythms.
In many respects Gomez is a musical hybrid that should turn heads in America’s rock underground – and does. Yet, they remain more of a cult than a craze in the states—failing to win the kind of recognition they have achieved in their homeland. As in their music, they have chosen the path less traveled – opting for a collective musical identity over one dominating creative force or “frontman. Gomez is steering clear of success in terms of stardom. Success in terms of talent is another story.
Article comments
1 - anita glick
hey jo~ Got it! It is really excellent. This is not easy to do. Great detail. I'm assuming that you do some research and then weave it together? Thanks for sharing and keep on keeping on:))
Love, ABG
2 - joanne
Thank you, ABG! I appreciate the read! Rusty missed out on us...
3 - Connie Phillips
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