SOPHIE BARKER Seagull (2011 UK 10-track CD album - You may know Sophie Barker as one of the vocalists on Zero 7's 'Simple Things', as the luscious, sweeping vocal sat at the forefront of the album's breakaway hit 'In The Waiting Line'. You may also know her for her work with Groove Armada, The Egg, Grooverider, Robin Guthrie [Cocteau Twins] and Muki, or maybe for her two previous solo albums ['Lullaby' and 'Earthbound']. Her third studio album, 'Seagull', reintroduces her with a more plaintive sound than before, with the music as sincere as she's ever been, with flowing through from their embryonic stage to the current. The addition of light, deft touches added by Alex Pilkington and Mark Tucker in the studio add a certain brevity - spot the Motown-esque licks, the Joni Mitchell leanings and the occasional trip-hop beats. The open and honest way in which the sparse verses build up to a heart-wrenching chorus on 'Say Goodbye' show Sophie's emotions running clear. 'Seagull' is about trust, love and emotions turning over themselves. It's about understanding those close to you, and letting yourself go!)