Soulful downtempo debut from the UK’s Zero 7. Made up of former studio engineers Henry Binns and Sam Hardaker, Zero 7 first made a name with a handful of remixes for artists like Lambchop and Radiohead. Their music was slightly more folky and acoustic than some of their downtempo contemporaries, restrained yet funky. The two producers expertly balance their low slung instrumental tracks with songs featuring a trio of seasoned guest vocalists. Tracks like “Destiny,” “Give It Away” and “This World” should sound familiar to anyone who was taking in downtempo back in the day. This music was the sunshine that followed the dark clouds of trip hop. Eleven tracks in all. Released by New State Music on 180 gram double vinyl housed in a full color sleeve with printed inner sleeves.

• 180 gram double vinyl pressing
• printed inner sleeves
• music label: New State Music 2018

reviewed by Mike Monroe 07/2015