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Zero 7 "The Garden"

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Zero 7, aka Sam Hardaker and Henry Binns, are back with their third album, The Garden. Continuing to build on their established sonic blueprint, this album incorporates some more organic elements, such as acoustic guitar, into their chilled and down tempo sound. It features vocal performances by Swedish-born folkie Jose Gonzalez, Sia Furler and Henry Binns. The band’s previous albums, Simple Things and When It Falls, were critically acclaimed and rooted them firmly in the chill out and lounge category. The Garden sees Zero 7 take a fresher, more upbeat musical direction while still maintaining their trademark sound.

Their production still sounds richly detailed and beautifully executed, but there are some unpredictable twists this time around. Futures begins with a gently strummed acoustic guitar and the lilting voice of González, but ends sounding like Underworld. The Pageant of the Bizarre is a playful ride that concludes with a shift into Beach Boys-style harmonizing.

The Garden is different enough from their first two albums that it might surprise some listeners who are expecting the same chill sounds. However, with The Garden, Zero 7 have shown that can change direction and style without the burden of expectations and feeling pigeon-holed.

Listen to Zero 7 mp3's

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