Gaz Coombes: Here Comes The Bombs

Gaz Coombes
Here Comes The Bombs
Hot Fruit Recordings [2012]









Fire Note Says: Here Comes The Bombs is a nice balance of Supergrass and everything else that frontman Gaz Coombes always wanted to try.

Album Review:
It has been two years since Supergrass broke up but four years since they released a record so there was much anticipation for frontman Gaz Coombes debut Here Comes The Bombs. You just never know where individuals are going to go when this happens because you expect a different path from their original band but the question always remains - how different?

Well, Gaz Coombes shoots right for the middle as Here Comes The Bombs actually has a very nice balance where its songs show flashes of the Supergrass past but clearly go where the band never ventured. Much of the difference here is the underlining electronics that fill several of the songs background which is highlighted on the first single "Hot Fruit" that has pulsing rhythms, looped guitars and strong drum beats. The track then burst out into a quick space aged craziness that explodes with its guitars and lyrics that shows that Gaz is in complete control and has what it takes to release a proper solo record with this addictive groover.

The rest of the record follows this pattern a bit where a song like "Sub Divider" has a building intensity to it that makes it memorable and contains plenty of angular instrument moments that almost pulls the song apart but maintains its composure with Coombes slick vocals. Other tracks like "Universal Cinema" have a much more Radiohead vibe to them as it circles Coombes voice with an array of synths, drums and a bit of haze while his vocals cut right through.

Overall, Here Comes The Bombs is a solid solo outing for Coombes. There are some songs that just never quite gel his past and present while others like "Simulator" once again showcase how a straightforward Supergrass track can still have a quick middle transition with big beats and completely succeed. Gaz Coombes absolutely does not bomb out here and in fact Here Comes The Bombs establishes a clear path for him to perfect this formula on his sophomore outing as the record gets better upon every spin!

Key Tracks: "Hot Fruit", "Sub Divider", "Simulator"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Graham Coxon
Radiohead
Supergrass

Gaz Coombes Website
Gaz Coombes Facebook

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony