Zero 7: When It Falls

By REBECCA BARRY

(Herald rating: * * * *)

As garage rock bands continue to multiply and otherwise well-behaved musicians add a few decibels to their recordings, chill-out suddenly seems like yesterday's music.

Indeed it's been three years since production Zero 7 released the dreamy Simple Things, yet another quiet duo in a marketplace teeming with the likes of Air, Lemon Jelly and Bent, and the less sophisticated compilations that cropped up in their wake.

But on their second album they are a calming and relevant antidote to all that heavy guitar clutter, stripping back their lush, orchestral production to serve the album's sublime vocals.

The velvet-voiced Mozez brings an intimate, loungey feel to three tracks, Tina Dico and Sophie Barker contribute sweet, midnight lullabies and Sia Furler adds a gorgeous, tranquilised Nelly Furtado flavour to their smooth blend of jazz, pop and soul.

When It Falls will no doubt provide the soundtrack for countless dinner parties but this delicacy deserves a conscious listen.

Label: FMR