Preview: Zero 7

Zero 7 with Phantogram @ Showbox at the Market 12/12 | 9pm | $20

“For fans of the down-tempo, ambient music that coffee shops love to play, Zero 7 is probably a familiar name. Even if you aren’t into the coffee shop vibe, you might be familiar with Zero 7′s notable tracks “Destiny,” which was used in movies such as Blue Crush and TV shows such as Smallville, and “In the Waiting Line” from the Garden State movie soundtrack.  If that isn’t enough to gain your attention, you should also know that this British duo’s third release “The Garden” received a Grammy nomination for the Best Electronic/Dance Album of 2007.  Even though they didn’t win, it’s still pretty impressive.” – Roger Wells, SSG Music

Henry Binns and Sam Hardaker make up the core of Zero 7, but they have been joined by an array of guest vocalists including Sia Furler, Tina Dico and Martha Tilston.  Zero 7′s first two albums “Simple Things” (2001) and “When It Falls” (2004) are full of the relaxed, cafe-friendly electronica tracks that were incorporated into Hollywood soundtracks.  The group’s newest album “Yeah Ghost” debuted in 2009, and there is a departure from Zero 7′s previously- established musical style. This is possibly due to the fact that their most consistent collaborator for their most successful albums,  Sia Furler, was replaced by a new vocalist, Eska Mtungwazi, who brings more of an upbeat, pop quality to Zero 7′s music.  The opening track to the new album, “Mr. McGee” is very bouncy and sounds nothing like the laid back ambient music of the group’s previous albums.  Despite the absence of Sia’s familiar voice and the addition of more dance floor appropriate tunes, “Yeah Ghost” is still peppered with some tracks reminiscent of Zero 7′s original sound, and the overall album has some great moments that retain much of the original spirit of  Zero 7.

Don’t miss Zero 7 when they take the stage at the Showbox at the Market this Saturday night.  Phantogram opens (see our SSG coverage of Phantogram with an interview here!).