Even for someone as talented and busy as Matthew Herbert, this year is shaping up to be a remarkable one, with the release of no fewer than three linked albums. While we wait with interest for ‘One Club’ (based on sounds from a night at Robert Johnson’s in Frankfurt) and ‘One Pig’ (based on the life of a swine) we have ‘One One’, where everything is played and sung by Herbert himself. The story goes he had to dress in a cocktail suit and drink plenty of wine before committing his vocals to disc, but he needn’t have worried, as the results are emotive and lightly soulful. What is really striking about this record, though, is its volume – for this is one of the quietest records I’ve ever heard, shuffling into view with its deep house, as if sitting down on the sofa beside the listener. While it’s of the same relaxing mood as debut ‘100 lbs’ it is also just as beautifully crafted, with every nuance and sound cleverly thought through. It shows just how versatile Herbert is, and only heightens anticipation for the other two in the trilogy. If you hear this late night or early morning, with no sound around you, you’ll get the full benefit.
5 Out Of 5
Reviewed By: Ben Hogwood
