Reviewed by Alex Figgis

From the opening crash of cymbals through to the lingering vocals at its end, 'Addiction', Hughes' fourth studio project to date, is dense both musically and lyrically. By fusing the harder edged moments of 'From Now On' ('94) with 1995's 'Feel', the whole album is given a moody submetal/hard rock sound, in spite of such ballads as "Blue Jean" and "I Don't Want To Live That Way Again". However, behind the heavy concoction created by guitarists Marc Bonilla. Joakim Marsh and drummer Joe Travers, Hughes* bass can still be heard slapping down the old familiar funk rhythms, adding an interesting and compelling element to 'Addiction's sound. Lyrically, Hughes communicates with the listener at a deep, thought provoking and emotional level; covering such topics as pain ("Talk About It"), drug addiction ("Addiction"), Divine protection ("Cover Me"), justification ("Justified Man") and repentance ("I Don't Want To Live That Way Again")... all of which Hughes has experienced personally, having become a Christian after years of drug and alcohol addiction. The repetition of the chorus in some songs could impair one's enjoyment. In spite of this slight niggle, there is enough material here to keep the listener's attention both lyrically and musically. Not one to be missed.

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