Zero One - Zero One

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Zero One - Zero One

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Paying homage to the analog synth constructions of Jarre, Tangerine Dream, etc., Zero One also bows to the use of tastefully applied electronic beats. The adjectives that immediately come to my mind about these synthesized sounds of are "sparkly" and "clear". The liner notes do not tell us who Zero One is, but do give a brief lesson on Pierre Simon de Laplace, the French mathematician and astronomer whose theories gave birth to the "zeroes" and "ones" of modern digital life. Perhaps it's a "Laplacian" formula that many of the tracks follow, as there definitely is a pattern here. Besides varied synth sounds, most tracks feature a cool bass, slight beats, a sample which whispers the name of the track, and additional samples, usually female wails. The pace of each track rises and falls in intensity with each phase equally entrancing. Don't get me wrong about this "pattern"; the tracks, while quite similarly constructed, are very nicely done… immaculate, even, and not as repititious as having a formula may imply. Each track has its own charm. Womanly "oooh"ing rides upon a burbling crest of synthesized beeps and sweeps to Waken the collection. This mid-tempo opener is crisply produced without sounding sterile; engaging yet non-intrusive. A particularly low, rolling bottom empowers Trust (analogue mix) (6:25) which is decorated by a strained male "huhhh", instead of the usual diva sample. A wailing female voice adds the human element to the otherwise computerized Mind Over Mind (8:51), where the full bag of tricks seems to be brought into play… beeps, bass, beats, sci-fi sound effects, changing pace, etc. A cymbal-ic rhythm and deep bass underline Nothing to Fight About; its dubby groove is laid back and pleasant, definitely more appropriate for making love, not war. In Hell is Cooling off, the bass is not as phat, but still active, and a professorly voice speaks the title phrase. The sounds seem to sparkle with crystalline points in Seek Not Outside Yourself which reworks many previously used elements (namely clear bleeps, burbles, wails, sampled whispers and tempo changes) into yet another fluid electronic tune. Synth swirls are underpinned by a dubby bass and beat to open On The Threshold; these sounds serve as a base for layers of oozing samples of female "oohs". A deeper bassline adds a slow groove which differentiates I Like That, though the overriding samples and keyboards may seem familiar. Samples are provided, so I recommend that you listen for yourself at the Zero-One website. Here you'll also learn the true identity of the man (and animal) behind this sparkling production. (Oh hell… I can't keep a secret… it's Kevin Dooley and Monkey, 'the cyber-cat'). Impeccably arranged analog synth sounds and perky rhythms, plus an upbeat attitude make Zero One a fun listen.