Er, what more can I say other than I have an incurable and irrational addiction to 80's things...
Er, what more can I say other than I have an incurable and irrational addiction to 80's things...
Member since:24.08.2001
Reviews:95
Members who trust:27
Zero 7's 'Simple Things' was released last year to much acclaim. Garnering a Mercury Music Prize nomination, as well as many 'album of the month' awards, it will probably go down in history as one of the finest British chill-out albums ever. The London based duo of Sam Hardaker and Henry Binns manage to combine soothing strings with some modern electronica to provide some truly beautiful music.
'Simple Things's opener, 'I Have Seen' is a wistful and reflective song, complete with some filmic violin sweeps and moody vocals from Mozes. Sounding as though it's straight from the end credits of an old film, it sets the tone for the rest of a magnificent album.
'Polaris' continues the silver screen theme with a plush musical landscape, with some gorgeous strings once again taking centre-stage. An instrumental, it is reminiscent of Air, and is about as smooth a song as you will ever hear.
'Destiny' is perhaps the highlight of the album, and is certainly the most well known of all the tracks. Downtempo and slightly melancholic, it starts with some typically unique
vocals from Sia. One of the finest (and most underrated) singer / songwriters around, Sia brings the song to life with some heartfelt lyrics about longing for someone, before being joined in the memorable chorus by Sophie Barker. Hardaker and Binns's instrumentation is superb, and it makes for what was one of the best singles to be released last year.
'Give It Away' is another Air-esque track, and sounds as though it is taken straight from 'Moon Safari'. Although Zero 7 were criticised in some quarters for being the poor man's equivalent of the French band, most of the songs do have their own quirks which distinguish them from Air.
The title track, 'Simple Things' is a return to a slower and more reflective style of song, again thanks to Mozez's controlled and slightly clinical vocal. A nice Rhodes solo gives the song a nice retro feel to it, and it almost feels as though you've stumbled upon a smoky café when you hear it.
'Red Dust' begins with a nice lilting guitar sequence before some other instrumentation kicks in. This song is perhaps most notable for its flute (a very underused instrument in pop music), and although it's relatively unremarkable in this company, is still very pleasant to listen to.
Sia returns in 'Distractions', which was released as a single earlier this year. Sia's nasal voice and bitter lyrics give this an intensely dark feel, and came with a great video of a married couple arguing and gaining gradually destroying one another's possessions in slow-motion. Definitely one to play during a break-up...
Another single to be released was 'In The Waiting Line', which gives Sophie Barker the opportunity to provide lead vocals. Not quite as intense as 'Distractions' or 'Destiny', Barker has a more relaxed style of voice compared to Sia, and it's a nice contrast when placed next to each other on the album. It also comes with a lovely smooth chorus, although perhaps lacks the vital hook to make it a classic.
We're back into French film mode with 'Out Of This Town', where you almost hear the song in black and white. After a somewhat moody opening, a trumpet takes over and the song becomes altogether more uplifting.
Mozez's third and final showcase is on 'This World' which is perhaps the weakest of the vocal-led tracks on the album. The strings are once again in plentiful supply, but it doesn't pack the punch of 'I Have Seen' or 'Destiny'.
'Likufanele' is distinguishable from the rest of the tracks on 'Simple Things' by virtue of its African chorus. Showing the band's experimentational side, it is perhaps a bit on the long side at 6 and half minutes, but is still a refreshing change.
'End Theme' closes off a fine debut with some more retro jazz stylings. Punchy if a little sparse in places, it ends with a trumphant orchestral sequence, and is perhaps the most uplifting piece of music on the album.
'Simple Things' is perhaps a little bit more downbeat than you may expect, and this is in no small part due to the delivery of the vocals from both Sia and Mozez. Despite this, there are some uplifting moments too, and Zero 7 have struck a fine balance between smooth and triumphant modern classical music and reflective downtempo beats.
If there's one criticism about the album, it may be that it doesn't appear to be all that ambitious. Although very accomplished in its stylings, maybe a few of the Air-tinged instrumentals could have had a little something added or taken away to make them sound a little bit more unique and dynamic.
I think that the album's strong point is perhaps the use of different vocalists. Sia in particular excels as a really interesting vocalist, and not just another session singer. If you like this album, check out her debut 'Healing Is Difficult', as it really is something special.
It will be interesting to see how Zero 7's follow-up will be like, and whether their sound develops or stays at the same level. Hopefully it won't be the experimental dross that Air maanged with '10,000Hz Legend'...
In any case, this album comes highly recommended to anyone who likes their music chilled and moody and particularly to fans of Air...
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Zero 7's ability to conjure beautiful lullabies with all the romance of 1960s French pop, ... more
as found on their debut long-playerSimple Things, would have made them the toast of soundtrack composers and chillout connoisseurs the world over. Unfortunately, ...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Zero 7's ability to conjure beautiful lullabies with all the romance of 1960s French pop, ... more
as found on their debut long-playerSimple Things, would have made them the toast of soundtrack composers and chillout connoisseurs the world over. Unfortunately, ...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Zero 7's ability to conjure beautiful lullabies with all the romance of 1960s French pop, ... more
as found on their debut long-player Simple Things, would have made them the toast of soundtrack composers and chillout connoisseurs the world over. Unfortunately,...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Advantages: THE chillout CD of them all! I dare you to feel stressed after listening to this! Disadvantages: No-one on the planet should dislike this CD, but if you're into Rammstein, maybe not!
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