Zero 7 made a name for themselves as purveyors of chilled-out electronica and ambient pop. But it was clear after their last album, 2006’s The Garden, that they were losing either their direction, or their motivation. Proof of that theory came in the form of their new instrumental project, Ingrid Eto, in 2007. However, Sam Hardacker and Henry Binns have regrouped for a fresh foray as Zero 7.
If you’re expecting another collection of gentle grooves with barely-there vocals, don’t bother picking up Yeah Ghost. The duo have undoubtedly moved on from their famed debut, Simple Things, although they do use the tried-and-tested formula of roping guest vocalists in to add an extra facet to their sound.
It’s much more eclectic than their previous material, too. There are sassy soul-tinged blasts (‘Mr. McGee’), warm indie pop nuggets (‘Swing’) and muted, Super Furry Animals-like electro doodles (‘Everything Up’). Most revealing of all, ‘Ghost sYMboL’ sounds like something Radiohead or Chris Cunningham would rustle up in their garden shed.