dive deep

morcheeba

ultra, 2008

Mood—Very calm, loungey at times, diverse.

Sample: "Blue Chair"

Thoughts— Plenty of people were upset when The Antidote came out without lead singer Skye Edwards, as she really was the "sound of Morcheeba". I, on the other hand, was quite pleased, because I was bored with that sound. But that's a review for another album.

Dive Deep does what groups like Air and Zero Seven do by having a mix of vocalists across the entire disk. This gives each song a unique flavor while still retaining the typical Morcheeba instrumentation and style.

If you know them, you know that their music is very relaxed with psychedelic and mysterious overtones. They have a few trademark samples and instruments that they use almost ad nauseum in their career. I say almost because if you're in the wrong mood, you can get sick of their sound quick, but otherwise, everything they do is welcome.

Dive Deep is peppered with a few instrumental tracks, the best of the latter being "Thumbnails", which feels like a track from Big Calm got in a time machine, saw the future, then came back. Other standout tracks include "Run Honey Run", "Sleep On It Tonight", and the truly beautiful "Blue Chair".

Uncharacteristically I am drawn to the songs with male vocalists on this one. Normally I'd say that Morcheeba is suited to a female singer, but this album proves me wrong.

There's really nothing to dislike on this album. There may not be a track that jumps onto your face and refuses to let go (like there are on The Antidote), but it's a very good, utterly relaxing album to put in at any time.

Recommended?Yes.

Link—myspace.com/morcheeba

Tracklist
1. Enjoy The Ride
2. Riverbed
3. Thumbnails
4. Run Honey Run
5. Gained The World
6. One Love Karma
7. Au De La
8. Blue Chair
9. Sleep On It Tonight
10. The LEdge Beyond The Edge
11. Washed Away