Zero 7: Simple Things

In April 2001, the British electronica duo Zero 7 released their debut album 'Simple Things.' In the style of the French electronica duo Air, much of the album combines synthetic lines alongside more typical acoustic writing with a steady beat and overlaid vocals. The album was certified gold within 4 months, having sold more than 100,000 units.

Zero 7: Simple Things

The first track of the album, 'I Have Seen,' combines bass grooves with acoustic guitar and drums to create a strong backing to the vocals which lead the track. Like their contemporaries, this album uses themes of surreality throughout, particularly noticeable in this track.

Moving on to the next track, 'Polaris,' the use of electronics is seen more clearly, underpinned once more by a steady, albeit subtler, beat. The title track, 'I Have Seen,' which comes later in the album continues to exhibition the duo's creative use of electronics alongside string writing to create a more dramatic and melancholy atmosphere.

Various elements of downtempo composition and free improvisation occur throughout the album, but for this reviewer the subtle influence from ambient music adds the most interest in this release. This is seen clearest in 'Distractions' but is featured in several other tracks. The variety of influence diversifies further into jazz in tracks such as 'End Theme,' ultimately creating a varied and interesting album which can introduce electronica for those who are uninitiated in such music.

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