ZERO 7 - Simple Things - Album Review

ZERO 7 – Simple Things – Album Review

DAY 7 OF 50 REVIEWS ON THE LEAD UP TO A RECORD STORE OWNER’S 50TH BIRTHDAY in 2021

Day 7 in my 50 favourite albums is a stunning Balearic masterpiece.

I absolutely adore this album and how it pretty much created it’s own genre.

“Simple Things” has been a permanent feature on whatever turntable, CD player, car stereo or headphones I’ve owned for many years.

This beautiful collection of inoffensive, coffee shop trip hop was first released 22 years ago. The two Brits in front of the studio mixing desk, Henry Binns and Sam Hardaker have had their music compared to the French electronica style of bands like Air. I can totally appreciate there may be influences, but in the same breath i believe they’re on a much different page.

It still shocks me when i learn that friends haven’t had the pleasure of Zero 7 and I love to introduce people to their music.

If for some reason they have passed you by and you appreciate soulful downtempo music for sunny afternoons, I urge you to spend an hour or two bingeing their albums, I guarantee you will spot instrumental music that you’ve heard somewhere before but just can’t put your finger on where. Probably a tv travel show or midday property programme.

When you listen to and dissect the songs you will appreciate how many subtle parts go into the making of this album.

Some of the vocals and harmonies are just beautiful and feature two stunning performances from a young Sia, on the tracks “Destiny” and “Distractions”

Everything within this collection of soulful songs happens at exactly the right time and you grow a deeper understanding of their production skills with every listen.

Soulful, uplifting and just plain lovely.

BUY THE VINYL OF SIMPLE THINGS FROM BELFAST UNDERGROUND

CHECK OUT THE OFFICIAL ZERO 7 WEBSITE