Matthew Herbert

At this point, I would hope that Matthew Herbert needs no introduction.  For well over a decade, he has reigned as one of electronic music's most distinguished and unique innovators, constantly redefining expectations about what music can and should be in the modern world.  His dedication to principle and authenticity in his work and his ability to be endlessly inventive and original within his own self-imposed constraints have been consistently awe-inspiring.  Around the House and Bodily Functions, both featuring the exquisite vocals of his wife, Dani Siciliano, still stand, years later, as shining examples of what a concept album is capable of.  Secondhand Sounds is arguably the greatest remix album ever produced and still sounds as fresh today as it did 8 years ago.  His label, Accidental Records,  has released an impressive collection of adventurous and uncompromising music.  Not content to rest on these ample laurels, however, Herbert forges bravely forward, recently releasing One One, the first in a proposed trilogy of albums which finds him in top form, fusing his trademark electroacoustic quirkiness with decidedly mature songwriting and a good overall sense of coherence.  One One is a sublimely smooth, brooding ride from start to finish, ideal for home listening, and I personally can't wait to see what he's got in store for us with the next two.