Robert Gomez

Brand New Towns (Bella Union)

Following its success with Midlake, British label Bella Union continues to mine Denton’s underground and may have struck gold once more with Robert Gomez. Although he achieved international recognition as a young Cuban guitar sensation, performing with Nelson Gonzalez and Turkish composer Omar Faruk Tekbilek, Gomez’s Brand New Towns pursues the lush indie-atmospherics of his aptly titled 2005 debut, Etherville. Elliott Smith’s quietly crafted pathos saturates the songs throughout, aided by the production of Centro-Matic’s Matt Pence, who maintains an understated control over the vibrant arrangements. The muted horns and accordion on “Perfect” balance the entropic strings of “If I Could Have You Back,” while the title track’s electronic flourishes provide expansiveness without overpowering. “The Same Sad Song” even recalls Grandaddy or Beulah’s more subtle moments. Gomez’s music contains an ambitious grandeur that, although not yet fully realized, is expertly focused and swells with promise.

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This article appears in April 20 • 2007.

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Doug Freeman has been writing for the Austin Chronicle since 2007, covering the arts and music scene in the city. He is originally from Virginia and earned his Masters Degree from the University of Texas. He is also co-editor of The Austin Chronicle Music Anthology, published by UT Press.