Manchester Apollo, 19 November 2004

Some bands lead a relatively submerged existence while selling albums globally at a rate many super-hyped bands would sin for (and do). Zero 7 is one such band. Since Sam Hardaker and Henry Binns started it, two major selling albums have come and gone (the latest, WHEN IT FALLS, has just gone double gold – that’s a lot right?), a Mercury Music Prize nomination wafted by, and the band has gone from two members to around about a hundred. Well almost…

So I should have expected a sell-out audience of well over 2,000 to attend the Manchester Apollo gig. Well, no… And because while I acknowledge the band had made many friends, I did not think they had made this many. Or perhaps it’s because I’m so used to so few acts garnering so much media attention (while real talent struggles for the scraps) that I’ve been lulled into thinking that quality doesn’t matter any more to punters, journalists and radio/TV station suits. Okay, I’m being a tad unfair because the music hacks actually do seem to like Zero 7 and the music it produces, and the band has appeared on BBC 2’s Later TV show.

Earlier this year I witnessed a performance by the band’s latest writing/singing member Tina Dico (supporting Paddy Casey), and was very impressed. I understand also that this delightful young Danish talent was partially responsible for band’s super song, Home. Dico joins the superb Adelaide singer/songwriter Sia Furler (whose 2003 solo E.P. was stunning), stalwart Sophie Barker, and lone male, Mozez. Add numerous instrumental players and Zero 7 is a big band in more ways than one.

As I write this I feel like one of those mind readers who manage to stun audiences with their ability to identify items, events and people without prior knowledge. You see, I know the band has two major selling albums – neither of which have I been privileged to hear (PR companies take note) – and have only heard a couple of singles including the aforementioned Home. So, like the mind-reader, I have to make certain bullet-proof assumptions regarding songs played on the night. They had to be from the two albums right? I tried to half-inch a set-list but (unusually) failed as I stood in the photo pit.

My further assumptions included that the performance would incorporate musical qualities like: sublime, intelligent, melodic, heartfelt, mature, and of course tight. I wasn’t disappointed on all these counts, although song-wise I’m afraid I’m still a little (no, a lot) in the dark.

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Thank goodness then when the second song from the very lovely Tina Dico sang Home, the only song I recognised, but that really seemed to sum up what this band is all about. But prior to Dico appearing it was Mozez who opened up the band’s performance with a couple of seriously good songs, performed with passion, expression and skill.

As Mozez exited, Dico entered to rapturous applause. She seemed a little nervous, a little surprised, a little shy, but soon got into her stride culminating in a lovely rendition of Home. This lady is just a bit special and I can see why she was picked up and looked so comfortable with the band.

Then it was Sia Furler’s turn to impress and together with Dico jived around a bit in good Top Of The Pops style. She looked the experienced performer she is; totally confident and comfortable with the massed ranks before her. Vocally, she’s up there with the best and I look forward to her next solo album (or has it already happened? – knowing my luck…).

Then it was Sophie Barker’s turn and in the face of the biggest applause of the night. Now how many bands can boast the membership of no less than four top-rank lead singers. The answer’s simple – NONE! Backed by strong instrumental performances and songs that meant something; were emotionally charged; and opened the involvement door with strong melodies, the band couldn’t fail.

The punters loved it and screamed for more at which point I had to leave for the long trek home. Frankly, it wouldn’t have surprised me if there were another dozen encores demanded from an audience made of many age groups, and who know the songs off by heart. I came away thinking that there is an audience, a very big audience, for quality pop music. It may be still somewhat underground but bands like Zero 7 are capable of bringing it to the surface big-time, with every album release and live performance. And while my personal preference is for grittier, harder-edged music I can see why Zero 7 can attract 2,500 punters, and play sell-out shows abroad.