Zero 7: The Garden

Perhaps I wouldn't classify Zero 7 as an "up and coming" band, but they still remain relatively unknown despite their appearance on the Garden State soundtrack. Zero 7 is really the duo of Henry Binns and Zam Hardake-two Brits who have come together to make music that (in my opinion) represents a feeling. They have the impeccable ability to evoke emotions through their lyrics but also through the melodies.
Zero 7 actually got their start doing remixes, and their remix of a Radiohead song "Climbing Up the Walls" actually got British airplay.
From there came Simple Things, where the duo made the use of talented vocalists to sing over the beautifully laced tracks. Simple Things saw the song "Destiny" rise to the top of the charts in the UK, while "In The Waiting Line" appeared on the aforementioned Garden State soundtrack. In 2004, Zero 7 released When It Falls, which-in my opinion-is a masterpiece. I highly suggest you buy the album.
But their latest release, The Garden is excellent as well. The Garden features a new staple to the Zero 7 diet, mixed with a veteran singer. Sia Furler (see Colour the Small One)uses her rich and melodic voice to once again achieve that classic Zero 7 sound (if you can say it's classic). However, I'm more impressed with Jose Gonzalez (see previous post), who sings on the album. Gonzalez's lyrics add a whole new dimension to the quality of Zero 7's songs, as the Argenitinian Swede softly crackles over the delicate sounds of his band mates.

Buy the album.

Listen to Left Behind (Gonzalez).

Listen to This Fine Social Scene (Sia).