A Herbert album release is never straightforward – and so here, as he appears on a major label for the first time, he does two things – returning to dance music in a long playing form for the first time in nine years, and releasing a film to accompany each of the tracks. The result is a suite of some of his very best songs, with two vocalists in particular – Rahel Debebe-Dessalegne and Ade Omotayo – who contribute warm, soulful and uplifting vocals. The best songs here are the powerful, chest pumping ‘Strong’, with its brilliant lyrical couplets, and ‘Smart’, which has a great vocal hook. Meanwhile ‘Bed’ (all the titles are one word only) is an example of just how emotional this music can be. The whole album is a surefire winner, Herbert returning to deep house but only to move it on a pace with a clutch of superb songs. Great to have him back in the fold.
(Ben Hogwood) 5 out of 5
MATTHEW HERBERT – THE SHAKES (CAROLINE)
