Gomez and One eskimO at the Fine Line Cafe, Minneapolis (03/06/10)

Gomez - Revolutionary Kind (live) Gomez Tour Dates 03/08/10 Ogden Theatre Denver, CO 03/09/10 Belly Up Aspen Aspen, CO 03/12/10 The Orpheum Vancouver, BC 03/13/10 Crocodile Cafe Seattle, WA 03/14/10 Crocodile Cafe Seattle, WA 03/15/10 Wonder Ballroom Portland, OR 03/17/10 Great American Music Hall SF, CA 03/18/10 Great American Music Hall SF, CA 03/19/10 Great American Music Hall SF, CA 03/20/10 El Rey Theatre LA, CA 03/21/10 El Rey Theatre Los Angeles, CA Read More One eskimO http://weheartmus... One eskimO, a band out of London, is giving away "Kandi" for Valentine's Day at their website. Of...

At first, I was a little worried that few people will show up to see Gomez, considering that pre-sale ticket prices at the Fine Line Cafe were $25 and that you had to be over eighteen to buy them... but all that was thrown out the window when I heard that the show sold-out while I stood in a huge line outside the venue an hour before the doors opened. I suppose it's not all the surprising, considering the size of the Fine Line (it's tiny) and that many of Gomez's fans would've been with them since their Mercury Prize-winning debut in 1998, and that they're probably all much older and gainfully employed. That's exactly the kind of audience there last night, mid-30's fans... but not older hipsters, more like settled down parents-type.

One eskimo - kandi

This audience wholly welcomed and embraced the opening band, One eskimO (official / myspace). They seem really calm and laid back, playing most of their songs from their self-titled album.

"Givin Up", "Kandi", and "Hurricanes" (incidentally this track is not on their album) were the most well-received of the songs played. The later had an extra snare drum as well as possibly their most energetic song on their set. Also, as you can see from the message found on their setlist that they had specific instructions to the soundboard person. As written, they sometime switch out songs, but there was never a point where they seem indecisive on stage.

Apologies for the bad photos on One eskimO, they had insisted on playing a projection movie (the animated Eskimo shorts that is associated with the band). This required very low light, so resulting in poor pictures. Also, it seems kind of pointless for the projected movie, because the way the Fine Line Cafe stage is set up and Gomez's massive drumkit, that you only saw 20% (the top part) of the movie. Still, despite the lack of movie, the audience still loved them.  I'm absolutely sure that they've gained a few fans this night.

The thing you should know about seeing Gomez, is that they love guitars. Three guitarists, over nine visible guitars on stage (there were a few offstage too!).   The other thing you should know is that they seem to have quite a huge following.  One girl said she'd seen Gomez three times in a row on this tour, with Chicago being the best night of what she's seen.

I was also a bit taken back that they had three singers: Ian Ball, Ben Ottewell, and Tom Gray. The three of them rotate through songs and the highlight for me was when they all sang on "Ruff Stuff" with the catch "darling (come back!), I've given up fags and drugs now, baby".

I was told that most of their setlist consists of songs from the new album, which I actually don't have a copy, but from what I've heard, it's good done live. But then again, all their songs are great live - perhaps that's why the band is releasing a series of live albums, with their first called Europe 2009. I saw the cardboard (with a sticker for a cover) at the merchandise table and was told that the band will (or was it have?) sign the album if you buy it. At the moment, the band is offering "Revolutionary Kind" as a free download, so you can check out the clear soundboard recording.

Anyway, they ended their set with "Shot Shot" (but minus the German intro) and "We Haven't Turned Around", both older songs and fan-favorites. By the way, you may recognize the later song from the movie American Beauty.

Normally, I will post one or two photos from my show, but most of these turned out really well, so I'm feeling generous.

PS, since many of their shows have been selling out, they've been adding additional shows on their schedule, particularly in San Francisco and Los Angeles.  If you really want to see them, I suggest buying tickets early.

Gomez - Fine Line, Minneapolis 3-6-2010 (Setlist)z	Gomez - Fine Line, Minneapolis 3-6-2010 (Ian Ball)z	Gomez - Fine Line, Minneapolis 3-6-2010 (Ben Ottewell)z	Gomez - Fine Line, Minneapolis 3-6-2010 (Tom Gray)z
One Eskimo Setlist - Fine Line, Minneapolis 3-6-2010	One Eskimo - Fine Line, Minneapolis 3-6-2010 (Kristian Leontiou)z	One Eskimo - Fine Line, Minneapolis 3-6-2010 (Face)z	One Eskimo - Fine Line, Minneapolis 3-6-2010 (Adam Falkner)z

 03/07/2010 03:17:16 ♥ vu () ♥ gomeztheband.com ♥ myspace.com ♥ twitter.com