There’s an air of quiet confidence about Synthonic. Led by London based pianist and composer Kieron Garrett, the UK outfit grooves, slides, and lets the music speak. Garrett’s background is in classical piano, a music degree from Kingston University, several festival appearances, and even a quartet with sax master Dave O’Higgins. So if you’ve been hunting for a jazz-funk record that grooves hard but keeps it smooth, Lampin’ by Synthonic might just be your next obsession. This is a brilliant synth jazz funk fusion album. Honestly some brilliant musicianship on display here. Stuff to die or kill for (figuratively). But honestly, some great brain-tickling music.
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The nine-track album runs a neat 39 minutes, and it wastes absolutely no time pulling you in. The opener, “All Day, Every Day” featuring Vasilis Xenopoulos and Jack Birchwood, sets the tone perfectly. It’s impossibly groovy, blending tight horn lines with buttery synth textures and some gorgeous saxophone runs. Alive, playful, and packed with personality. Then comes “Chameleons”, where things take a slightly headier turn. From funky we into the more jazz-fusion side of things. Garrett’s keys really shine here, weaving mind enthralling synth chords that feel like they could twist time itself. Fusion magic never feels dated.
“Tonight” switches things up with some great vocal performances over a laid-back, electro-jazz song. There’s guitar licks underneath that adds just enough spice without overpowering the groove. It’s the kind of track you play when the city lights start blinking and the evening feels full of possibilities. Honestly, “The Quirk” and “Big Fat Funk!”, both featuring Jeremy Dunning, are exactly what you think they are. Straight-up bangers. Speaking of “Big Fat Funk!”, if there were such a thing as jazz funk diabetes, this song could give you one. Funk this chunky ought to come with a warning label.
The title track “Lampin’” captures everything Synthonic does best. Jack Birchwood’s cheeky, catchy, and flirty trumpet riff, coupled with rich synth solos, Xenopoulos’s saxophone, and Garrett’s piano work that manages to be both tasteful and quietly virtuosic. Closing tracks “I Said I’m Sorry” and “Spiral” round things off beautifully. “Spiral” especially stands out with its retro synth textures and a killer bassline that could rival any fusion classic. There’s some synth work here that absolutely steals the show.
Verdict:
Synthonic doesn’t display chops for the sake of it. Vibe, feel, and that unmistakable pocket where jazz, funk, and soul intersect is at the heart of this record. Garrett’s piano work, warm, melodic, with a lightness of touch that balances precision and play. The synth work here with tasteful pitch bends and a gliding, liquid tone, feels like a little wink to Herbie Hancock fans. Vasilis Xenopoulos is an honest tour de force on this record with his musically rich saxophone.
“Lampin’” sits somewhere between jazz, funk, neo-soul, and RnB, but never feels boxed in. If you like your music with a bit of swagger and a lot of soul, think of a mix of Willow, Jamiroquai, or even Stevie Wonder then Synthonic has something for you. Kieron Garrett and crew are clearly having fun, and honestly, it’s kind of infectious. Lovers of jazz fusion or bands like Snarky Puppy (and Stevie Wonder) will love this. And to others, bite this juzz funk bullet for a joyride!
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