Simple Things

by

Zero 7

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Simple Things is quite simply one of the best debuts I've ever heard. The vocals are soft yet purposeful, and the lyrics are often quite inspired. Sia's beautiful voice is ethereal on the simply beautiful "Distractions" & "Destiny". It brought her fantastic Healing Is Difficult out of the doldrums of my CD collection.

It's easy to see where Zero 7 has taken much of their inspiration. There are definite similarities to Air (although it remains easy to tell the two apart) as well as Groove Armada and Fatboy Slim. Don't let the Fatboy Slim confuse you - this is by no means a dance album. This is almost an anti-dance album - the kind of thing you put on when you're very tired / drunk / stressed / angry (delete as appropriate).

It would be impossible to pick out any personal favorites (I love every track), but the real stand out tracks are "In The Waiting Line", "Destiny", "Distractions" and the largely underrated "End Theme".

If you're in a party mood, by all means, don't put this CD on. It will definitely not help build the atmosphere, but makes a perfect comedown disc. It's difficult, however, not to try and vigorously enforce this great new band on all your friends. I can't wait for the next chapter of the story.

Easily addictive, this is my first must-have of 2002. Can't say fairer than that, really...

At first listen, Simple Things is a startling change from the long-standing dirge and purge phenomenon that has flooded the industry with negativity. If you want to escape that, the sound of Zero 7 is a welcoming brand of easygoing pop, synthesizing the slow groove from the days of Motown, sensible tunes and cinematic composition with electro effects. This is an interesting birth from the brief triphop interlude (losing the trippy beats, mind you) because it has brought the sound of rippling lounge back full circle. Most tracks are instrumental, alternating with soothing male or female vocals on others (a couple being a little too much like the currently popular R&B dance vocal style for me, however).

Zero 7 is a pleasure to listen to, but personally this doesn't call for a lot of play on my stereo. Why? I suppose it's missing some of the lyrics which are particularly meaningful to me ... or, an unusual density of composition. These things often suck me into my favorites. Otherwise it would easily rank four or five (depending). I will still be interested in hearing any releases hereafter because these folks are masters of melody (as obvious in their remix of Radiohead's Climbing Up the Walls, which I love, and tracked the sound to this release). There is seamless musical talent here. I'll be looking for more "oompf" the next time around (oompf = personal strings?) Otherwise, this is a smart addition to any cocktail parlor.