Search - Gamits :: Antidote

Colorado's Finest Does It Again

Alex Eherenman | Lafayette, CO USA | 07/04/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I own every single release from this awesome pop-punk trio, and I must say that this is by far the finest material they have released. Although previous albums from The Gamits are also quite excellent, this one, I believe, stands out from the rest. Darker and more mature than anything they've previously done, this album contains arguably the best song writing in the band's extensive catalog of material.
Also spectacular are frontman Chris Fogal's vocal melodies: creative, catchy, and more refined than on previous albums. Every single harmony and other bit of backing vocal is also perfectly placed in each song, which adds greatly to the album's depth.
The instrumental work on this release isn't complicated-- The Gamits have always had a knack for simple parts and arrangements that fit together in a very sonically pleasing way-- however, it is their most tasteful to date. All of their signature pauses, accents, builds, climaxes and endings are present-- though more subtle than in the past. However, the rhythmic and melodic choices the band makes on this recording are nearly flawless. I am especially impressed with new bassist Scott Swarers' playing.
My favorite tracks on this album are "Curious Vanessa Black," "Open Window," and "Bloodstains/Picture Frames". Other strong tracks include the album's opener, "Dotted Lines," as well as the song for which the band produced an awesome video, "How To Escape," and the two-part "Born and Raised Afraid".
The lyrics on this album are, at times, the strongest I have heard from this group. Unfortunately, (and this is my only qualm whatsoever with the entire album) there are a few spots where the lyrics could be better. The most glaring example of this is in the otherwise great track, "Like White Noise," in which Fogal sings, "Don't wanna talk anymore/Not gonna answer the phone/I wish that I was alone/So I could be by myself." It works, but...With great songwriting, wonderful melodies and instrumental work, and (mostly) excellent lyrics, Antidote is an incredible album that shows the emotional and musical maturity this band has gained throughout its time together. As I said before, this is the best material the band has released yet. And despite all of the emotion and maturity mixed into each of the songs, this stuff f#$%&*g rocks."