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Editorial Review:
Since delivering their 1993 mini-opus Big Calm, second-generation trip-hop outfit Morcheeba have taken their hybrid blues/country/hip-hop/soul sound to an increasingly wider audience. Their music has suffered as a consequence, the sass and strut of the early days gradually suffocated by tired production clichés and vapid, big-name collabs (see Charango). The Antidote has none of that. It's a stonking return to form, as the band trade in their sultry singer Skye Edwards for the feistier, grittier Daisy Martey (ex-Noonday Underground), enlist experimental musician Rob Mullinder and create a massive, orotund and ear-catching psychedelic sound by recording everything live. The songs here are by far the best they've made in a decade, with catchy hooks and thoughtful lyricism matching the bright, eager production sound. The awe-inspiring confidence and thinly disguised joie de vivre that kickstarts the album lasts most of the way through too, marking the long-awaited final stage in the band's transmogrification from introspective dance act to kick-ass stadium rock band. --Paul Sullivan
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 3.5 / 5.0
A change (of vibe) and a return (to form) Let's be honest, some of Morcheeba's albums since Big Calm have not exactly hit the sweet spot. The Antidote is, however, well worth a listen. This is both definitely a Morcheeba album, and also definitely something else - an engaging 'big sounding' fusion of Big Calm and late 60's, early 70's 'sing along pop' - think of Tony Christie in a blender with Air, with a big twist of Kosheen. To be honest - if you like Kosheen you'll like this, and vice-versa! Daisy is not Skye - not better, not... more info
Great music, grating voice The music is as boyant and imaginative as always, only now there's someone sqwarking loudly over it. The new singer had a lot to live up to after Skye, but I wouldn't mind if I liked her voice. As it is, it's not too bad: She sings in tune about 90% of the time, and her voice sounds pleasant about 40% of the time. One of the other reviewers compares it to Shirly Bassey and I can see what they mean - to me it's more like a harsher, unsexy, more nasal version of Sophie Ellis-Bextor. In my opinion it spoils... more info
The Poison must be trembling... Following on from 2002's "Charango" and Skye Edwards' departure the 'Cheebs return with ex-Noonday Underground vocalist Daisy Martey. Martey has a classy voice of some distinction and adds some breadth to the band's sound.
"Wonders Never Cease" is standard fare but the expansive sound of tracks like "Everybody Loves A Loser" is a striking step forward for the band.
The bigger sound overall is quite alluring although interest wanes a little over an entire album.
Having said that, there is... more info
Daisys wondeful unusual voice will make this album a classic Morcheeba took on a new approach to the antidote, and for me it worked. Losing Skye was a big blow to the fans, but on this unique album Daisy has left me ever more excited about the Morcheeba sound. Things change, thats life. I own every album from Morcheeba and love every one (apart from the rap songs).
Daisy Marteys voice is a national treasure and i shall enjoy listening to this album for a long time to come. I only hope Daisy bounces back soon (after Morcheeba)so i can enjoy more of her work.
