Zero 7 - The Garden

Genre electronica Publisher Atlantic Records External Links Official Zero 7 Website Official Atlantic Records Website

The Garden is British sophisti-pop group Zero 7's third proper album, following on the success of Simple Things (source of hit single "Destiny") and When It Falls. Henry Binns and Sam Hardaker are the men behind the music, arrangements, and production. They show taste and discernment in choosing solo artists to take on vocal duties. This album brings back Austrailian pop singer Sia Furler, who has been their favorite female singer, and also employs rising Swedish star Jose Gonzalez.

The album's first half is solid, beginning with "Futures," which features Gonzalez doing his trademark Nick Drake impression. His gently-chorused voice flutters while crystal-clear acoustic guitar strums and warm synths create a '70s adult rock feel. "Throw It All Away" employs Furler, whose soulful vocal cords are a nice match for a dreamy, half-time chorus: "Cash it in and throw it all away/never needed any of it anyway." The song is arranged well, with a variety of instruments chiming in. "Seeing Things" is an extended instrumental track with an ambulatory "Our hero sets out" feel to it. The first half's highlight is the fairy tale "The Pageant Of The Bizarre." Furler guides the chorus melody through several turns that lodge it deep in the ear, leaving behind the kind of hook that will be stuck for days on end. The follow-up, "You're My Flame," presents a contrast, with electronics and faster tempo. But again, it builds on the strength of Furler's galloping, soulful delivery which socks home another catchy chorus fashioned from a different, fatter melody than "Pageant." Clearly Binns and Hardaker know a good thing when they hear it.

It's not that the second half offends, but it certainly flags. Few of the hooks sink in, from the Kid A-outtake "Today" through the ambling shuffle of "Waiting To Die." "This Fine Social Scene" makes okay use of Furler's voice but the other songs aren't as memorable or satisfying, and especially so when Binns takes singing duties on "Your Place." He may have skill doing everything else, but his thin voice doesn't match up to the performances of the guest vocalists. Nonetheless, Zero 7 make more good choices than bad in producing this record. Their arrangements are masterful and the hooks and melodies frequently excellent. The first half is a pleasure to listen to, and while the second half is less inspired, The Garden bears repeated visits.