What better way to kick off 2009 than with UK stalwarts Gomez at The Gov. This show is a little special as it commemorates the 10th Anniversary of their debut album Bring It On. Those expecting the back catalogue of hits to be dusted off and given another airing may have been a little disappointed but the majority weren’t including myself who relished the fact that Bring It On would be played in its entirety.
The atmosphere at The Gov was definitely festive as bar staff worked at double pace to keep the drinks following. Epicure was the only support on this occasion and there’s no doubt they were relishing the occasion to play in front of a sold out crowd again (a stark reminder back to their hey day a few years ago when they could sell out a venue like The Gov on their own accord).
Epicure was great but lead singer Juan Alban’s attitude that “we’re the support band” and “this guitar won’t stay in tune because we’re the support band” did wear thin. Suck it up princess, you’re supporting Gomez. Epicure played quite a few off their new album Postcards From A Ghost which were well received such as Snakes And Foxes and One Last Chance To Reach You. The strongest applause was reserved for – œhits you can dance to’ including Self Destruct In 5 and Armies Against Me.
For what seemed an eternity finally Gomez hit the stage at quarter past ten. The mood and spirit in the band was at an all time high as they wished everyone a happy new year. Tom Gray couldn’t hide his smile and the fact he was feeling a little tipsy. Nevertheless, from the band’s brief intro it did sound like Adelaide was very lucky to get a Guernsey on this tour considering the zig zagging they’re doing all over the country.
Given that this tour features Bring It On predominantly there were no surprises when it came to the set list as the album was played in all its glory from start to end. Get Miles got things under way and every time I hear Ben Ottewell’s vocals it makes the hairs stand on the back of my neck, he definitely rates highly in my book when it comes to vocals.
It was a surprise to hear the encore favourite Whippin’ Piccadilly so early in the set as it usually features in the encore as the finale but this time round it was second song in like the album. Still, this one got a rousing reception and got peoples feet moving and singing also. Make No Sound and 78 Stone Wobble followed closely behind and it was easy to think that it couldn’t get any better than this… but it did!
Love Is Better Than A Warm Trombone and Get Myself Arrested were major crowd pleasures and an indicator that the end of the album was near. The band looked like they were having the time of their life and didn’t want this party to end despite having a 4am flight to Perth the next day.
Tom mentioned the point that he didn’t realise how silly some songs are until you do a show like this referring to Bubble Gum Year’s and Rie’s Wagon to a lesser extent.
Gomez did return for an encore featuring two new songs Mix and Very Strange with We Haven’t Turned Around splitting the two. Interestingly enough the night came to a close with How We Operate before polishing a few brews before heading to the airport.
to listen to their music now on 
