At my old home, I wrote a lengthy diatribe about how I was sure that Zero 7 was missing the mark with their soon-to-be-released downtempo jaunt, The Garden. I think at the time I listened to it I was probably in a different headspace. It’s true, I really find Zero 7′s music both soothing and introspective, so I’m not sure where my disappointment came from after the first few listens. But in the time from when that review was written until now, I’ve grown very fond of The Garden. Though I maintain that the band’s derivative take on some of French duo Air’s best work is littered throughout the album, it is nonetheless very enjoyable on repeated listens. It’s groovy music, heavily atmospheric and beautifully arranged. The vocal stylings on the record range from Henry Binns’ near dead-on Bill Withers to Sia Furler’s now-famous soulful whirlwinds, and they create something worth listening to and remembering. When the record is released stateside on 06/06/06, I hope you’ll be right there picking up a copy for yourself.
This song in particular, “This Fine Social Scene”, has taken on an entirely new meaning to me. That’s what great music usually does, and truly great music isn’t always immediate. Sometimes, it takes a while for it to grow into my soul. I’m glad that this album has finally done that for me.
Listen To “This Fine Social Scene”
You can now pre-order The Garden from Zero 7 by clicking here.
