Scales is being touted as Matthew Herbert's most accessible record to date, and the claim becomes evident immediately upon first listen. This isn't the fractured collage experimentalism of Plat du Jour; rather, Scales strongly recalls Herbert's work on Roisin Murphy's Ruby Blue. It's not surprising that songs on both of these albums are almost interchangeable; Dani Siciliano - who provides the vocals on this record - has the same loungy and soulful quality as Roisin Murphy. In any case, Herbert's latest is a very strong collection of songs, and should appease appreciators of his jazzy, IDM beats in a pop-song format.

Matthew Herbert - Birds of a Feather

So for me, Hot Chip is turning out to be the Out Hud of 2006. Hot Chip is set to release their second full-length lp, The Warning. It's a much more polished affair compared to their first album, and with the DFA's backing, there's no reason why this band shouldn't blow up the indie circuit. They're masters at creating a groove, and they should get bottoms shaking when they hit the Subterrenean on 3/20.

Hot Chip - And I was a Boy from School

-David