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Review: Jack Foley
THE name may be the same, but the personnel have changed.
Morcheeba are no longer fronted by the sultry vocals of Skye
Edwards, but rather the grittier tones of former Noonday Underground
vocalist, Daisy Martey.
And they have also employed the services of renowned experimental
musician, Rob Mullinder, to flex their muscles ever more creatively.
The ensuing album is called The Antidote and it's fair
to say that it provides a near-perfect remedy to the most stressed
out of days.
Opening with the lead single, Wonders Never Cease, which
contains plenty of catchy hooks and a truly Summery vibe, the
album proceeds to deliver a collection of genuinely feel-good
tracks.
Anyone fearing that Edwards' absence may be detrimental had better
think again, for while the singer was undoubtedly an integral
part of the Morcheeba success story, Martey wisely doesn't stray
too far from the tried and tested formula for success.
Hence, there may be certain listeners who don't even realise
that the singer has changed.
Wonders Never Cease, especially, feels like a throwback
to the Big Calm era, while the funky Everybody Loves
A Loser contains a retro vibe that owes itself to the Shirley
Bassey/James Bond era.
It's a wonderfully sassy affair that contains some nice orchestral
undertones, as well as the usual mix of intoxicating beats and
straight-forward soul.
The grittier edge to Martey's vocals translates well to the slower
numbers, too, with Living Hell providing a nice workout
for them, complete with a Motown-inspired chorus that features
a gospel-style backing.
While the breezy Lighten Up shows that Morcheeba have
lost none of their ability to wrap uplifting melodies around warm
beats, complete with some nice horns.
As a whole, The Antidote shows that when it comes to
merging hip-hop, blues, country and soul, there are few people
better.
It's an effortlessly pleasing affair that ought to continue the
Morcheeba success story without too many ill effects from shedding
key personnel.
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