Gomez Releases How We Operate, Their First Studio Release on ATO Records

How We Operate, Gomez’ first studio release on Dave Matthews’ label ATO Records, sees the band move away from their psychedelic bluesy sound and create a polished power pop album.  According to Tom Gray, they “wanted to focus on songs, melodies and words, rather than volume.”  They might now sound too commercial for fans of the band that have been around since Bring It On, but they still maintain their artistic strengths of songwriting and musicianship. 




The lyrics provide brief glimpses into the lives of characters that are unhappy, uncertain, or unaware about their relationship.  Using three lead singers allows a wider range of personality for the narrators, which in turn allows for a wider range of story to be told.  The band’s vocals continue to produce great harmonies together and the music hooks the listener.




The title track, the U.S single, finds a couple that is great when they come together, but they don’t see things the same way, which is unfortunately how they operate. The banjo sounds fantastic in the arrangement.  “Girlshapedlovedrug”, the U.K. single, opens with a thumping bass line.  The title is a great description of that addiction to someone.  

Even though “she’s a wicked girl.  Worst in all the world”, the narrator can’t help himself.  He knows he’s in to deep as he exclaims, “Try as I might I love her”, completely understandable to those who have had someone mess with your mind and heart.  Yet, he puts up with “her days in a violent rage” for the moments he gets to see her “soft and sentimental”.  I give it extra points for using the word “taciturn”.