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ZERO 7  Simple Things (UDRCD016) Ultimate Dilemma 2001 11 Tracks. 61mins07secs. Buy this CD on line now

From time to time, a record grabs your attention inadvertently, and it’s like nothing had ever existed before. That’s exactly the kind of record Henry Binns and Sam Hardaker, aka Zero 7, have produced. The aptly titled Simple Things is simply one of the most attaching records you’ll hear this year. Lets knock the rumour down first. Wrongly described as the British answer to Air, Zero 7 actually sound nothing like the French duo, and if their work results in a similar-ish atmosphere, it is more by pure coincidence than by deliberate choice. You only need to listen to the first couple of minutes of I Have Seen to realise that the Nottingham duo have more important things to do than ripping other people off. Simple Things is not an electronic album as such. Binns and Hardaker rely as much on real guitars, drums and strings as they do on their samplers and keyboards. After releasing a handful of singles last year, and producing remixes for artists as diverse as Terry Callier, Radiohead, Lambchop or Dorris Day, the pair managed to grab the attention of the press, to the point where the aforementioned singles got their way into the end-of-the-year-lists of many magazines, and DJs as prestigious as Gilles Peterson have given the band much precious airplay. Simple Things alternates between sweeping instrumentals (the gorgeous Give It Away, Red Dust or Out Of Town – which, incidentally, was their first release) and luscious, emotional songs, with vocal performances by Mozez (I Have Seen, the magnificent Simple Things, This World), white soulstress Sia Furler (Destiny, Distractions) and Sophie Barker (In The Waiting Line). Soul infiltrates every moment of Simple Things, becoming increasingly palpable, and leaving the listener with the impression that Paradise is, in essence, accessible to all. The beautifully crafted string work, the occasional trumpet or flute, the crystal clear pianos, everything conjures to make this album the perfect summer night soundtrack. As it floats along, Simple Things reveals some of the most beautiful compositions heard this year, as Zero 7 introduce themselves as the new princes of cool. Intense, moving, clever and glorious, Simple Things will keep resounding in your head long after it stopped playing.

TRACK LISTING 01 I Have Seen 07 Distractions 02 Polaris 08 In The Waiting Line 03 Destiny 09 Out Of Town 04 Give It Away 10 This World 05 Simple Things 11 Likufanele 06 Red Dust

THE SURFER'S GUIDE TO ZERO 7 ZERO 7 Interesting point of entry regarding Zero7. This site includes a biography, presse articles, tour dates... ULTIMATE DILEMMA Pretty new label Ultima Dilemma have caught a big fish with Zero7, so pay them a little visit to see what else they have to offer.