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About Simple Things
Amazon.com Zero 7's ability to conjure beautiful lullabies with all the romance of 1960s French pop (as found on their debut LP, Simple Things) would have made them the toast of soundtrack composers and chill-out connoisseurs the world over. Unfortunately, two Frenchmen beat Henry Binns and Sam Hardaker to the title of "masters of comedown cool," leaving the London duo to be forever called "the British Air." And this is fair; the similarities between Zero 7's lush cinematic soundscapes and those of Air's Moon Safari and the Virgin Suicides score are so strong as to sound almost intentional. Nonetheless, their debut is a truly gorgeous album. It has all the tried and tested atmospheric tricks--bleeps and whooshes layered over plodding Fender Rhodes chords, swathes of strings and tender trumpet parps--but it's Binns and Hardaker's languid grooves and the soft melancholy of their melodies that make dream-state instrumentals "Give It Away" and "Polaris" utterly enchanting. The real power of Simple Things, however, is in its songs. As beautiful as the ambient strains are, when laid beneath the seductive vocals of Australian diva Sia on the ethereal "Destiny" or the heart-breaking "Distractions," their potency becomes apparent. --Dan Gennoe Product Description 2001 debut full length for dance act described as, 'the British Air', the follow-up to two limited, critically acclaimed EPs. Highlights include the awesome African influenced instrumental passage 'Likufanele', the velvety 'I Have Seen' feat. Mozez & the quiet storm of 'Destiny' feat. Sia. Review While Zero 7 may have garnered accolades with the UK audience and music press by touching their magic musical wands to Radiohead, Terry Callier and Lenny Kravitz tracks - all variables factoring into a coveted Mercury Prize nomination and other awards for Simple Things - they've been patiently waiting for Americans to chill out to debut their album stateside. And in a time of rattled nerves, this might be the right moment.Zero 7 (comprised of longtime North Londoner friends Sam Hardaker and Henry Binns) became the talk of the town with their sexy, contemplative "Distractions" last year. It gave those who relish the astral, dreamy, blanketing sounds of bands such as Air a glimpse into their virtuosic production talents, which are reflected in the cinematic nature of each song. What results is a tangible familiarity, though this could also be due to the fact that Quincy Jones, Charles Stepney and Ray Charles are the duo's reference points. Simple Things leaves no visible seams, whether it be the jump from the instrumental, jangly "Give It Away" to the quick-footed Rhodes guitar responding to Mozez's vocals on the title track. Zero 7's best asset is Sia Furler, who takes memorable songs ("Destiny," "Distraction") to their elaborate potentials with a voice that melts metal. A major gripe can be that this genteel album is just too eager to please all types of listeners, but Simple Things' key is fixing you into such a warm and comforting place that you can't muster enough anger to protest. Phuong-Cac Nguyen -- From URB Magazine
