Gomez

Gomez has always been something of an anomaly in the world of non-mainstream music — partly because its layered pop songs are immediately accessible to a wide audience and partly because the band never followed any big trends in music. While this has resulted in a bit of a roller-coaster ride of success across its career, the Southport, England-based group has at least taken chances with its blues-inflected indie rock that most artists walking the fine line between integrity and widespread popularity don't seem to navigate as deftly. Maintaining its original lineup since its inception in 1996, Gomez recently released its sixth studio album, A New Tide. And though Tide isn't groundbreaking, it's proof that these guys continue to perform refined pop songs that are unlike anything else going on.