Audio Mixer: Brian Deck.

Recording information: Engine Studios, Chicago, IL (04/2008-10/2008); Haunted Hollow Studio, Charlottesville, VA (04/2008-10/2008); Headhear, Brooklyn, NT (04/2008-10/2008); The New Studio, Los Angeles, CA (04/2008-10/2008).

Photographers: Chris McCann; Chris Strong; Olly Peacock.

Unknown Contributor Role: Ken Weinstein.

On A NEW TIDE, Gomez's second full-length outing for ATO Records, the British alt-rock ensemble presents one of its most immediately accessible albums. While the group's renowned eclecticism hasn't been completely abandoned (see the jaunty, organ-tinged "If I Ask You Nicely"), it has largely been replaced by a more straightforward folk-tinged pop approach that finds them in the same earnest, emotive vein as label-mate David Gray, a move that makes sense considering their surprisingly devoted American fanbase. Standout songs of A NEW TIDE include the amped-up "Little Pieces," the spare "Lost Track," and the chiming "Win Park Slope," all tunes that carry radio-ready appeal.