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"When It Falls" was released in 2004 and is Zero 7's 2nd album. The overall sound appears to be a gentle continuation of their 1st album "Simple Things" - more mellow, jazzy, downtempo tunes mostly with guest vocals (2 tracks are just instrumentals). Rhodes, strings and acoustic guitars feature frequently with electronic sound fx in the background.
The album kicks off with "Warm Sound". Just like the 1st album, vocals are sung by Mozez and this is one of my favourite tracks. The intro consists of a piano sample and the sound of a phone ringing in the background, before a gentle synth bass and soft beat kick in with rhodes and the vocals. The chorus lyrics "Warm sound, falling slowly, takes the time away from me" do their best do lull you into chillout mode. The melody gradually develops into a beautiful sound of uplifting strings, flute and acoustic guitar which works well. I really do get the feeling of warm sound washing over me as the track builds up and all the elements combine into a harmonious whole.
The next track "Home" does not disappoint either and features a new guest singer Tina Dico who has a great voice. The track starts off in a very intimate manner with minimal instrumentation to accentuate the vocals and lyrics "Take me somewhere we can be alone, make me somewhere I can call a home, 'cause lately I've been losing my own". The track then builds into a crescendo with blaring brass and more energetic drumming before fading away into acoustic guitar and electronic fx.
"Somersault" is the 3rd track and is likely to polarise opinion due to distinctive sound of Sia Furler's vocals and the childish lyrics which may be too saccharine to bear for some:
"You're the prince to my ballerina You feed other people's parking meters You encourage the eating of ice cream You would somersault in sand with me
You talk to loners, you ask how's your week You give love to all and give love to me You're obsessed with hiding the sticks and stones When I feel the unknown You feel like home, you feel like home"
I personally like the playful tone, the soaring strings in the chorus and the way the tune melts away into rhodes noodling at the end.
Another album highlight for me is the instrumental "Look Up" which does not feel out of place next to the vocal tracks. It does feature a female voice going "Dah-ah-ah-ah" towards the end but there is no singing and no lyrics (I personally deem the voice to be completely unnecessary but I suppose you can't have everything). This track is the most uptempo tune on the album and provides a welcome relief from the slower tracks, injecting much needed energy and variety. The melody played by the strings and acoustic guitar is engaging and when the sunny harmonica kicks in, it just gets better.
So the big question is: how does "When It Falls" compare to the 1st album "Simple Things"? Well there is more consistency and more vocal tracks which is good. On the downside though, the incredible ambient soundscapes (for example in "Destiny" in the 1st album) are gone. The fusion of instruments, electronic sounds and background tinkering in "Simple Things" combined to give a smooth and somehow natural sounding whole. The electronic fx in "When It Falls" are less subtle, sounding harsher and more in-your-face - not my personal preference. I can't really choose between the 2 albums because they are equally as good and each contains great tracks. If you liked the 1st album you should like their 2nd effort.
Highly recommended for anyone interested in jazzy, chillout tunes.
[Also reviewed on Dooyoo and Epinions]
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Beautifully crafted and produced,When It Fallsis a fitting follow-up to Zero 7's 2001 ... more
platinum hitSimple Things. Reintroducing several of their debut's guest vocalists, the band continue to meld subtle orchestras, elegant jazz and easy-going West Coast...
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Beautifully crafted and produced, When It Falls is a fitting follow-up to Zero 7's 2001 ... more
platinum hit Simple Things. Reintroducing several of their debut's guest vocalists, the band continue to meld subtle orchestras, elegant jazz and easy-going West Co...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Advantages: Soft, easy listening, chill out Album Disadvantages: ??
CatastropheWaitress 28.03.2004 (28.03.2004)
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Review of When It Falls - Zero 7
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