Gomez

Gomez formed in Southport in 1996, five friends developing a sound that drew on American blues, folk, and rock in ways that felt completely British. Their debut album 'Bring It In' (1998) won the Mercury Prize — a surprise victory that introduced them to a much wider audience. The album's eclectic, blues-influenced sound was unlike anything else in the British indie landscape.

'Whippin' Piccadilly', '78 Stone Wobble', and 'Get Miles' were all excellent singles. The album showed a band capable of real musical range — from acoustic folk to electric blues to psychedelia. The Mercury Prize win was one of the most popular in the award's history.

Gomez have continued to record and tour with remarkable consistency. 'Liquid Skin' (1999) and 'In Our Gun' (2002) were both strong follow-ups. They remain one of the most underrated British bands of their generation — a band whose quality has never been matched by their commercial success.