Celebrating 15 years as a band, Gomez’s “Quinceañera Tour” stopped in Austin, TX for a two night residency at Antone’s. I chose the latter of the two shows and, judging from the setlists, I made the right choice. Although, I’m a little jealous that Monday night’s show got to hear “Win Park Slope.”
Tuesday’s show started strong with “Bring Your Lovin’ Back Here” from the band’s 2000 album Abandoned Shopping Trolley Hotline. Even though the band released a new album, Whatever’s On Your Mind, last year, most of their setlist was comprised of their back catalogue. It was a well crafted mix of songs that spanned the band’s history.
Sharing vocal duties and switching instruments throughout the set, Ian Ball, Tom Gray, and Ben Ottewell guided the packed audience through their genre-spanning songs. Their voices blend so effortlessly that I never know who’s on lead until I see them perform.
Making sure this tour is special, Gomez is allowing their fans to vote on the setlist. They’ve opened up their entire catalog and dedicate the final 10 songs of the show to those chosen through the band’s website. Somehow this information eluded me and I missed the voting window for the night. Luckily, like-minded Austinites made sure the songs I hoped to hear were included. Though the tour’s just getting underway, it looks like the crowd favorite is “How We Operate.” This is the song (and album) that broke the band in America so it’s not surprising that this song consistency occupies the top spot. It’s the song that made me fall in love with the band.
– Submitted by Jessica Reed, Social Media