This astonishingly touching 13 track album, which is the band's fourth, is the product of 18 months locked away in their studio, writing and recording like mad.  Such time was more than well spent as it spawned 50 new songs, 37 or so of which obviously had to be shelved for future release or other such purposes.

The thing about Gomez is that they've never written one bad song, with the blissfully melodic 'Do One' opening this 50 minute album of blissed-out grooves and prog-indie-rock that's all in a spellbinding league of its own.

A smattering of diverse musical styles graces the album, with the trademark 'gruff soul' vocals of Ian contrasting with Ben's, and 'These Three Sins' being a lush acoustic-aided Bluegrass cut of quality.

'Sweet Virginia' is one of the more subdued songs, while the single release in the anthemic 'Catch Me Up' is the most exuberant and feel-good tune.  'Where Ya Goin?' is dominated by its hard-driving blues-rock riff, while 'Meet Me In The City' is a dark song smothered in brooding harmonies, as though Gomez conceived this number on the Gospel-loving fringes of New Orleans.

Decked out with vibrantly psychedelic artwork, Split The Difference further confirms Gomez's status as one of the most important, most original and most soul-stirring bands in the UK, period. And while in the past they have largely been proudly self-reliant when it came to recording and producing their releases, this time around they've worked with Tchad Blake who has added some nice production touches to what is, essentially, a must-hear album.  
(4/5)

Release date: 17 May 2004

Split The Difference