AFTER almost a decade of serving up deliciously laidback down tempo grooves, Zero 7 have decided it’s time to move on.

Don’t worry, the kings of ambient chillout haven’t released a metal of heavy metal, but they have turned up the tempo.

Their new album Yeah Ghost sees duo Henry Binns and Sam Hardaker dipping into everything from dance pop to instrumental composition, electronica and folk.

Interesting, stimulating and intelligent, it will surprise fans of old and delight newcomers.

“I’m very proud of it,” says Henry. “I’m not sure if everyone will love it, but we’ve done a good job. It’s been a real ‘sweat and blood’ one and has been our biggest challenge to date. We’ve done lots of stuff and owed it to ourselves to try something different.

“There’s nothing simple about it. We do seem to like making our jobs hard.”

Starting off as young upstarts at legendary producer Mickie Most’s RAK studio, the two childhood friends acquired an early reputation for a series of stunning remixes for the likes of Pet Shop Boys, Robert Plant, and – with the help of old friend Nigel Godrich – Oxford’s very own Radiohead, for whom Henry and Sam delivered a gorgeous mix of Climbing up the Walls, which went out as a B-side to single Karma Police.

“We were just teaboys,” laughs Henry. “But Radiohead’s Ed O’Brien gave us a guitar riff, we put a beat on it and other bits and bobs, and they liked it!”

Other bands to get the Sam and Henry touch include NERD, Lambchop and Sneaker Pimps, before they turned to writing, releasing platinum-selling debut Simple Things in 2001, 2004’s When it Falls, and 2006 masterpiece The Garden, recorded at Sam’s home studio in Somerset.

One noticeable absence on Yeah Ghost is singer Sia Furler who, while still great friends with Zero 7, is forging her own solo career. Instead singing duties are shared by Henry and Londoner Eska Mtungwazi.

“Eska blew life all over the music,” says Henry. “She put everything into shape. Up to then it was a bit shaky, and I was seriously considering forging a career in carpentry.”

He’s not joking. The industry had taken its toll.

“I had months of feeling bummed out,” he admits. “I was the guy who wanted to go in and out of school without being noticed – and knowing I was carrying the ball was a horrible experience. I’ve always managed this thing by being as least noticed as possible.

“I never thought live music was my forte, but I am really enjoying it. Some bands may be more rock ’n’ roll, but we have our moments. Still waters run deep!”

Far from breaking up, Zero 7 are now stronger than ever – discovering a new-found bond.

“We’ve never been a band before,” he says. “We employ musicians, but are not Nazis about creativity. We do invite opinion – sometimes to our detriment!

“Sia was such a huge presence that girls found it hard to step into her shoes. That meant we didn’t have a regular fixture, which was a bit disconcerting. But it’s been a bit like that for 10 years!”

He admits to being relieved he doesn’t have to do any more singing than necessary – just one track on the album Everything Up (Zizou).

“I don’t mind making a fool of myself though,” he laughs. “I do have that string to my bow.”

While this album is, he says “a product of London”, he admits to preferring his Good Life-style smallholding in Glastonbury.

“It’s lovely,” he sighs. “I’ve got animals and three-and-a-half kids – one is on the way. I’m doing better than my ram, though. He seems to be doing everything right, but nothing has happened for him yet.

“The pigs are doing alright though, and the veg patch. However, the chickens are hopeless; the fox is always getting them.

“It’s good to try to be self-sufficient,” he goes on. “It helps my head. I like a bit of chaos, and I’ve got a beautiful balance. It’s good to do what Sam and I do, and then get back to the country. It’s a real antidote to my city lifestyle.”

So is he a closet New Ager? “Hell no!” he splutters. “Though I’m definitely getting a bit more cosmic. It’s unavoidable.”

l Yeah Ghost is out on September 28 on Atlantic. Zero 7 play the Oxford O2 Academy on Tuesday. Tickets are £18.50 from the venue. Doors open at 7pm.

WIN!

To celebrate the launch of Yeah Ghost, The Guide is giving away tickets to Zero 7’s Oxford show, and albums. Two winners will receive a pair of tickets and a copy of the album. Two runners up will get an album.

Q: For a chance to win, name Zero 7’s 2001 Mercury Music Prize-nominated album.

Answers to thughes@oxfordmail.co.uk Usual rules apply. The editor’s decision is final. Entries must arrive by noon on Sunday.