Around the House
Matthew Herbert · 1998
73 min · 11 tracks · classical music
An experimental blend of field recordings and electronic manipulation, capturing the intimacy of domestic life through sound.
Top tracks — play these first
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So Now... — This track exemplifies Herbert's intricate layering of sounds, blending spoken word with rhythmic elements that create a contemplative atmosphere, showcasing his unique style.
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Around the House — The title track encapsulates the album's theme by intertwining domestic noises with a pulsating beat, illustrating Herbert's ability to transform mundane sounds into compelling music.
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In the Kitchen — This lengthy composition immerses listeners in a soundscape rich with kitchen-related noises, highlighting Herbert's skillful manipulation of environmental audio to evoke a sense of place.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalHerbert's innovative use of sound design and field recordings creates a unique listening experience that stands out in electronic music.
What we noticed
- The album incorporates field recordings from domestic environments, blending them with electronic sounds to create a textured auditory experience.
- Tracks often feature abrupt transitions and layering of sounds, which disrupt traditional musical structures and challenge listener expectations.
- Several pieces utilize silence and minimalism effectively, allowing the ambient noises to breathe and resonate within the context of the compositions.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- intimate exploration of domestic sounds
- patient unfolding of sonic textures
- immersive listening for quiet moments
- thoughtful soundscapes for reflection
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy engagement
- prefer concise, standalone tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Around the House is Matthew Herbert's sophomore album, following his debut, Around the House (1998). At this point in his career, Herbert was establishing himself as a pioneering figure in electronic music, particularly known for his innovative use of everyday sounds. This album solidified his reputation for merging musical composition with environmental noise.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Alva Noto· Ryoji Ikeda· Amon Tobin
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 [untitled] 0:51
- 2 So Now... 5:41
- 3 Around the House 4:34
- 4 Close to Me 6:37
- 5 The Last Beat 5:27
- 6 Going Round 6:55
- 7 This Time 8:04
- 8 We Still Have (the Music) 6:28
- 9 In the Kitchen 12:11
- 10 Never Give Up 11:42
- 11 We Go Wrong 5:14
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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