Antidote

Item: Fight or Flight
Author: Justin W. Jones

Fight or Flight

(1999)

Reviewed by Justin W. Jones

Discogs YouTube

Label N*Soul RecordsThe Phantom Tollbooth1999

drum and bass electronic techno trip hop

What God has joined together, let no man put asunder. This includes the husband and wife duo, that make up Antidote. Jorge and Leigh Goyco are from Austin Texas, and their one mission is to witness through music covering many dance scene genres, ranging from house music and drum and bass/jungle, to trip-hop, and a touch of trance.

Whereas most Christian techno artists leave such things up to the listener, Antidote has said in the past that they like their music to include a message, and they are not the type of artists who would leave it out merely so DJ's will spin their records. Fight or Flight refers to the Lord constantly, and never leaves you wondering whether or not it's for His glory.

Of the ten tracks, only three of them bear lyrics. Overall, the well written God-centered lyrics cover life struggles, carrying the Word with you, and John the Baptist's theme of decreasing that He might increase. Unfortunately Leigh Goyco's voice can sound flat as it does on "Decrease." Originally from the N*Soul's Future Sounds of Faith compilation, the remixed version of "Debris" over-loops a straight house beat over the original track. Although the song is now more dance-floor friendly, it doesn't sound as good as the original. The new version has lost that dark, disconnected feeling of the first one. The other lyrical song, "Everywhere I Go," is reminiscent of Daft Punk, a European duo who play funky house with dark overtones. But Leigh Goyco's voice is so soft that she appears to be too shy behind the microphone.

The album's strongest point is the rave element. This isn't the normal radio dance music--this is underground, battle-breaking rave. There are many similarities, however, between Antidote songs and those from the mainstream. None of these songs are direct copies, but you can clearly hear the influence of big league dance scene performers like Josh Wink, Daft Punk, Tricky, and Aphrodite. Despite the obvious comparisons, Antidote delivers well done music that is totally dance floor friendly for ravers. The music isn't too progressive, but it builds enough to entice the dancers. Most of the album's upbeat songs are typical of dark jungle sounds. There is even a slow trip-hop song, "Always," for those who like that Brit style of music. All the tracks are well layered with musical depth, but the length and repetition may annoy those not accustomed to techno.

I liked "Deprogram" the best. It's a dark song that uses repetition effectively. Building on a good breakbeat and the same foghorn sound, the whole song switches emphasis from melody to drums. Adding a background symphony, the result creates a compelling touch of sadness and reminds you to "spend time with God." Another good track, "Fuego Que No Quema," uses horns, a flute, distorted bass, and a half-step beat (that is good for battling) to create a sort of Caribbean tech-step song. And it also has a sound bite that encourages the listener spiritually.

Fight or Flight really is an up-to-date album, quite unlike other sanctified dance albums. It seems that Antidote is all caught up on their Rave 101 homework. If you are a poisoned raver, then you need this Antidote, but if you are not pro-techno then this is not for you. As a fan of electronic music, however, this album is not only recommended--Antidote truly has the cure for what ails you.

4 tocks