Morcheeba - The Antidote

Wed 8th Jun, 2005 in Music Reviews

For most bands, losing your singer would be quite a significant issue. INXS for example, have resorted to a reality game show escapade, where thousands have auditioned for the role and the process will be screened on television sets across the world. Morcheeba however, seem to have taken it in their stride and have moved forward musically with the departure of vocalist Skye Edwards.

The Antidote is the fifth album by Ross and Paul Godfrey, aka Morcheeba. Taking the vocal reigns this time round is Daisy Martey, formerly from the band Noonday Underground. Much has been written in reviews and forums comparing the two singers and Morcheeba’s return, but I think it should be noted that any album would be different to a certain degree when a third of the band changes.  Progression is necessary.

The recruitment of Daisy has seen the Godfrey brothers push fresh, new avenues in the Morcheeba sound. The music is still trip-hop, blending dub, soul, blues, country and rock amongst other things. Downtempo grooves and lush, eclectic soundscapes still prevail. The psychedelic element remains, and the listener is once again invited into a chilled out, comfortable space where colourful stories dance around your ears. However, The Antidote does take an unashamed turn towards the pop spectrum where the catchy hooks and singalong lyrics now reach a wider audience.

This is perhaps most evident in the first track on the album, Wonders Never Cease. Mastering the happy, summer vibe, the band have launched the album in fine radio-friendly form, conjuring up images of sunshine and holidays. Whilst former singer Skye had amazingly timeless vocal qualities, Daisy’s strength is instantly impressive. The track and her voice has a larger than life appeal, and reminds me of the classic Propellerheads song, History Repeating featuring Shirley Bassey.

The next song on the album, Ten Men opens with whistling pan pipes, and mid way through, we spiral into Moby-esque electric guitar territory. The rise of today’s genre-bending music society has pathed the way for an increasing number of tracks like this which could be said to fall under folktronica, or post-something-or-other. Rescuing the track from obscurity are the backing singers who provide harmonious warmth and a fairytale softness. They appear in similarly familiar roles throughout the album.

In the following track, Everybody Loves A Loser, the “la la las” of the backing singers are actually like the reinforcing consciousness of Daisy as she strides through the scene of a Hollywood movie. The use of maracas and short drum rolls, give a Spanish tango feel in certain parts and add to the theatrics of the song. Simiarily in Living Hell, the lyrics

“If you want to escape this living hell,
Cast off your chains and be free”

could be straight out of an Oprah Winfrey show, or a Julia Roberts feel-good movie.

A particular highlight on this release is the track People Carrier. The pace is faster here than on the rest of the album, and there is a dark, rumbling bass underlying the song. Swirling wind sounds and other effects can be heard, but most significantly are the consistent soaring whip cracks which add to the wild west effect. The vocals are soulful and bluesy and show off Dasiy’s dynamic range which has no doubt been achieved through her classical music background.

An interesting note about this release is that it was almost entirely recorded live, as opposed to their previous studio works. The result is an album which further embraces unusual arrangements, delves into experimentation, and has a certain level of grittiness that was absent before. The production remains bright without being too slick, and like previous albums, this is a great soundtrack for many a chilled out time. Along with new band member, The Antidote is Morcheeba’s first album with new label Echo, and signals a fresh, change of direction for the band. However, with so many acts on the trip hop scene these days, Morcheeba’s pop tendancies may mean their pioneering days are over.