When It Falls oozes seductive melodies, softly spoken words, a mixture of electronica and great instrumental music..
The closest examples would be Air, The Brand New Heavies, Massive Attack (think of their chill out tracks like Tear Drop) but imagine something new being injected into the life of such music, and you have Zero 7.
Sounding a little similar at points to their other album, Simple Things, When It Falls is still unique enough to hold its own. As ever, they’ve taken everything they can and thrown it into a melting pot, bring out a vibrant concoction of some of the mellowest, tender music you’ll hear all year.
This is the sort of music that can rock you to sleep, let you forget about your worries, troubles, and problems. Listen to it when you need a shoulder to cry on, or when you need a happy hour. The versatility of the music and tracks are fitting for most purposes, much like Fairy liquid.
as you listen further to the album, the experimentation with instruments and melodies begins, turning into something hypnotic
Early tracks in the album draw you in, and as you listen further to the album, the experimentation with instruments and melodies begins, turning into something hypnotic at times. Stand out tracks for me include the gorgeous Passing By overlaid with simple lyrical modesty, allowing the music to drift over you like a shower of gentle, warm water. It washes away all the bad, and detoxes you leaving you feel refreshed, and alive again.
In some ways it takes the element of blues, ambient, jazz, soul, electronica, and vocals and creates something dazzlingly rich and wonderful. Buoyant, and full of energy, and yet, in contradiction, letting you just relax and enjoy the music in anyway which it serves you best.
It’s like the mostly friendly stranger you know, or the most comfortable, dream-like sleep you will experience. It’s a charming album, and won’t be to everyone’s taste and it isn’t their best as a whole – but it far excels the mediocrity out there. The guest vocals alone are tantilisingly good. A real joy to listen to.
Verdict: As good as if not better than Simple Things.
Tracklisting
1. Warm Sound
2. Home
3. Somersault
4. Over Our Heads
5. Passing By
6. When It Falls
7. The Space Between
8. Look Up
9. In Time
10. Speed Dial No. 2
11. Morning Song