Yeah Ghost

Performer: Zero 7
Producer: Zero 7
Distributor: n/a

Notes: Studio mainstays for well over a decade, Zero 7's Henry Binns and Sam Hardaker can wring an expert production from nearly any song, whether it's synth-based or band-based, instrumental or vocal, unadulterated pop or colored with some other genre shade thereof. YEAH GHOST, their fourth album as Zero 7, includes all of those approaches, so file it as another in a career of ever-evolving records that have moved them from chilled downbeat into dynamic alternative pop. A dedicated rhythm section appears on half the record, accentuating the feel that this is a band record--albeit impeccably produced --with an array of guests taking vocal turns. As before, the songs are written well and the guest vocalists are selected with care, even if sometimes overwhelmed by the numerous production touches. Each song is a variation on the pop form, whether it's straight commercial pop on "Mr McGee," neo-soul on "Medicine Man," folkie introspection on "Swing," or starburst electronica on "Pop Art Blue." The best and most natural blend occurs on "Everything Up (Zizou)," which has a bit of indie guitar over its sheen of electronic pop, with vocals from Binns himself and the most impressive of the guests, Eska (who sings over five tracks total). Though Zero 7 are still not in the same class as Air (or even Phoenix),YEAH GHOSTis an enjoyable record that shows them apparently on the way to something more unique.

Billboard (p.56) - "From her first appearance on the overly funky song 'Mr. McGee,' Eska diverts the duo from its usual path of heady atmospherics into earthier sounds and tones."

The musical careers of former studio engineers Henry Binns and Sam Hardaker were given a boost by old college chum and Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich when he let them remix OK COMPUTER's "Climbing Up the Walls." The resulting product led to greater things, including a full-length album, 2001's SIMPLE THINGS, which revealed the duo's fondness for atmospheric soul-jazz, languid film score-influenced compositions, and urbane electronica.

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