I am really getting into ambient electronic music as of lately. My friend is in love with the genre, and now his music taistes are starting to rub off on me. About two months ago we were talking about our favorite ambeint/electronica bands. He recommended me a band called Zero 7, so just a few days later I went out on a limb and bought there sophomore album for two dollars, used of course. Zero 7 formed in 2003, and this is their second album that they released just a year later from their debut. Although I have no knowledge of their debut album, I know that this is a great electronica album.
I am no genious when it comes to electronica, ambient, or downbeat music. I really enjoy the genre and listen to bands like Air, Moby, and Brian Eno. When I first listened to When It Falls all the way through for the first time I was very impressed. This album is soft, gentle, ambient, soothing, relaxing, and mellow. If you want some music that you can think to, or something that will put you to sleep than get this. Everything on here is soft and mellow, it is the perfect backround music for when you are working on homework. Some of these songs are just beautiful, the calm melodies and the atmospheric feel just makes you feel like you're in heaven. I would highly recommend this to someone who is seeking some soft, peaceful, electronic music.
Zero 7 has some of the best vocals that electronica music has to offer. The double douling vocals of Sia, and Sophia are simply beautiful. They are soft, peaceful, and mellow, this fits perfectly with the downbeat nature of the album. When you die and possibly go on to heaven, you will be greeted with a voice that sounds very similar to Sophia's. The vocals are high-pitched and they can be hard to understand at points. Sia and Sophia work very well together and their vocals mix perfectly together to create an amazing atmospheric feel. Throughout all of the electronic effects and smooth basslines the vocals are the most important aspect of the whole album. They are simply beautiful.
Zero 7 keeps things very simple. There is not a lot of complex instrumentation and melodies, this is a simple electronic album. The electronic effects and synth noises is the main instrument. They create bubbly, soothing effects that give this music some flavor and spunk. The electronic effects show up in practically every song, and they are superb. The basslines are smooth and laid-back. The bass is not that special here, a lot of other electonica bands I listen to have a better bassist, and this is where When It Falls really lacks. While the bass isn't bad, it certaintly isn't that good either. Zero 7 adds in flutes, guitars, and drums. The drums and guitars keep a decent rythm section, while the flute and brass instrument (I think it's a saxaphone) just adds more sound and keeps things from getting repetetive. This album features about six or seven different instruments, with the exception of the bass they all do a great job and with all of the different instruments used Zero 7 can still keep things ambient and relaxing.
Overall I think that this is an excellent electronica album. While there are better ambient albums out there, this is still a great album if you enjoy or if you're just getting into the genre. The vocals and electronic effects shine, they are the key to When It Falls. Some people think that this genre is extremely boring. While I used to agree I find myself listening to more and more ambient music every day. If you want go get into electronica music, than this is a good place to start. Just a reminder, this is not good music if you want something creative and or something that is loud and fun. This album can be depressing, and Zero 7 is very effective if you need backround music or music to study to. When It Falls is an excellent electronica album, and I think that everyone who likes the genre should give it a shot.
Overall Rating : 4/5
Pros: Vocals - Soft and mellow - Good music to study too
Cons: Some may find this boring - Bass
Recommended Tracks : Home - When It Falls - Speed Dial No.2
