Now on their third album, The Garden, Zero 7 seems to be moving into a progressively warmer area. Once pegged as electronica or acid-jazz, Zero 7 broadens its horizons with The Garden. Partly responsible for ‘sultrifying’ their sound is their newest vocalist — Scandinavian singer-songwriter and guitarist, Jose Gonzalez. With his own critically adorned album, Veneer in the UK top ten, he adds folk-inspired melodies to The Garden while harmonizing beautifully with Zero’s veteran, Sia Furler.
Jose will be joining the U.S. tour in September 2006 with yet another new guest soloist... none other than Henry Binns, himself. Who knew he could sing... and quite well, at that. But then again, there’s a lot we don’t know about Zero 7. Besides producing and programming every inch of their music, Binns and Hardaker cover a broad range instrumentally. All the keys, piano and synth parts are 100% theirs and some of the drums and percussion, as well. The creation is clearly more important than kudos, as they have never credited themselves on any of their albums.
It appears they have won their creative license... and definitely the attention of the media, as well. Another song from Simple Things (“In the Waiting Line”) emerged on the highly successful “Garden State” soundtrack. Were they paying homage to the movie by naming their latest album, The Garden? Or is the name simply indicative of the term, “plant your seeds and watch them grow’? Zero 7 has done just that... and we the listeners, are lucky enough to hear them flourish.
Article comments
1 - Connie Phillips
This article has been placed at the Advance.net Web sites, a site affiliated with about 12 newspapers.
One such site is here.
2 - joanne
Thank you, Connie
3 - Connie Phillips
Thank you for the great review, Joanne.
4 - Joanne
My pleasure (the biggest understatement of the year)
5 - J
aw i wish they'd have more songs with Tina Dico...i love her voice
6 - Tom Mullen
Agree with the above. What happened to tina Dico! Sob.
7 - joanne
J & Tom,
I love her voice as well. My prediction is she will play with Zero 7 again in the future. They (Hardaker and Binns) seem to love everyone they've worked. She's been busy with her own compilations. Have you heard her solo work?
8 - emmbee
Agreed, Tina Dico's solo work is exemplary, as is Sia's and Sophie's. I haven't heard the Mozez solo release but I've heard much praise about it. It seems that Mr. Hardaker and Mr. Binns have a gift for finding superb talent to give voice to their music.
9 - Alex
Sophie Barker was by far my favorite vocalist.
The fact that she's not on the third album is kind of sad. :(