Addiction

Released in late 2002, Addiction is a pivotal EP that captures Matthew Herbert at the height of his 'Personal Contract for the Composition of Music' (PCCOM) era. This manifesto famously forbade the use of existing samples or internal synthesizer presets, forcing the artist to source all sounds from the physical environment. The title track is a quintessential example of this philosophy, utilizing domestic field recordings to construct a sophisticated deep house groove. The EP is notable for its collaboration with vocalist Dani Siciliano (though her presence is often felt through the stylistic vocal approach common to Herbert's work of this period) and pianist Phil Parnell. The 'Pianissimo Play Through' of 'Suddenly' highlights the project's deep roots in jazz, while the Emerson Kitamura remix of 'The Last Beat' provides a dubbier, more expansive take on Herbert's typically tight structures. Critically, the EP is viewed as a companion piece to his landmark 'Goodbye Swingtime' and 'Bodily Functions' albums, showcasing a more stripped-back, intimate side of his sound artist persona.