Gomez Splits The Difference

Bluesy Brit-rockers Gomez have kept a steady pace since their Mercury Music Prize-winning 1998 debut, Bring It On. The band has released two more albums and a b-sides collection while putting in a good amount of roadwork, including a Stateside excursion earlier this year.

So what’s next in the pipeline? For starters, a U.K. tour this spring, backing their fourth full-length release. The eight-date run commences May 23 at Manchester Academy. They’ll hit Glasgow, Nottingham, London, Birmingham, Truro and Southampton before wrapping at Carling Bristol Academy on the 31st.

The tour will come on the heels of their new album, Split The Difference, set for a May 17 release. The disc was recorded in their own studio, located, in the band’s words, “in the dreary Sussex town of Portslade.” Gomez recorded more than 50 songs for the sessions, 13 of which were picked to appear on the album.

In an unusual step, the band brought in producer Tchad Blake (Tom Waits, Pearl Jam) to assist on the recordings. Gomez’ first three albums were recorded with a primarily DIY mentality.