ZERO 7

Additional personnel: Jose Gonzalez (vocals, acoustic guitar); Sia Furler (vocals); Nigel Godrich (guitar); Robin Mullarkey (electric bass); Tom Skinner (drums).

In embarking on their quest toward crafting lush, electronic pop songs, one can forgive U.K. downtempo duo Zero 7 for perhaps taking the path less traveled. In the span of two albums they have evolved from pop-influenced electronica to the more fleshed-out arrangements of their latest effort, THE GARDEN. Along with contributions from a cast of noted vocalists such as Sia Furler and Jose Gonzalez, the new album moves away from digital trickery and brings organic instrumentation and vocals to the fore, bathing the songs in luxuriant arrangements with pop hooks to spare.

On the up-tempo number "Throw It All Away," Sia's soulful croon ruminates on loss while a plaintive brass melody echoes the laid-back sophistication of '60s lounge pop. Indeed, many of the production details give the album a similar, light-as-air effervescence. On the acoustic folk of "Left Behind," Jose Gonzalez's languid vocals provide the perfect counterpoint to the spare guitar melodies, resembling the somber beauty of Nick Drake's finest work.

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