Rating: NNNNN
Soulful London jazz-groove crew Zero 7 have listened to all the right records, and it shows. After turning Lambchop’s Up With People into a mellow gospel classic, the open-ended collective return with this massive slice of vintage soul jazz. Like a more elegant version of Air, Zero 7 mix epic arrangements and swollen strings with smooth vocals and an ear for mood-setting soundtracks. Nothing on Simple Things sounds rushed or forced, electronic beats merge effortlessly with fat live bass lines and guitar hooks, and the chilled vibe speaks for itself. Destined to be the cool cafe record of 2001.MG
