Lampin' by Synthonic

Lampin' by Synthonic

The iconic brass hits ride effortlessly on a bed of funk, bass solos emerge from a post-rock soundscape, and the album flows with incredible, seemingly improvised solos—Lampin’, the latest release from Synthonic, is a masterful blend of old-school groove and contemporary finesse.

Led by jazz pianist and composer Kieron Garrett, Lampin’ brings together some of the UK’s finest musicians, each delivering electrifying performances that make the album pulse with energy. The fusion of instrumental funk and jazz, peppered with a few vocal samples, creates a vibrant yet sophisticated listening experience.

Lampin’ as its name suggests, captures the essence of both chillin’ and groovin’. It’s laid-back when it needs to be, but it never loses its momentum—it moves, it dances, it breathes. Tracks like “Big Fat Funk!” and “All Day, Every Day” burst with infectious brass melodies and tight rhythmic interplay, while “I said I’m Sorry” takes a more atmospheric turn, layering textures in a way that feels cinematic. The title track, “Lampin’”, sits at the heart of the album, embodying the project’s core philosophy: effortless cool with technical brilliance.

The album’s brilliance lies not just in its infectious grooves but in its meticulously crafted writing and instrumentation. The combination of an electric guitar solo with bursting brass section hits in “Big Fat Funk!” is one of many moments that showcase Lampin’s dynamic arrangement. The melody unfolds through a dialogue between instruments—guitar, bass, and brass sections don’t just accompany one another; they complete each other’s sentences. Listening to Kieron’s orchestration feels like being engaged in a beautifully choreographed dance.

The ups and downs of the music are so carefully structured that transitions between high-energy grooves and laid-back, lampin’ moments feel effortlessly smooth. Whether it’s a short passage in “Chameleons” or a full shift in energy within “Big Fat Funk!”, every movement feels intentional and seamless. Yet, you always feel the freedom of the improvised melodies, as if the instruments are not bound to a melody, they are led to a melody.

And then there’s “Tonight,” the most vocal-driven track on the album. Yet, the vocals here don’t feel like they exist to convey lyrics; instead, they act as another instrument, delivering a solo of their own. While words are present, they quickly become secondary to the melody, drawing the listener’s attention to their musicality rather than their meaning. The vocal line is brilliantly woven into the arrangement—not rising above the other instruments, but blending seamlessly, becoming an integral part of the overall sound.

Kieron Garrett

But the magic of Lampin’ doesn’t just lie in the studio recordings—it’s coming to life on stage. The Sidmouth International Jazz Festival will serve as the album’s grand launch on 23rd of May 2025, with Synthonic supporting Gabrielle on the main stage, a fitting showcase for the band’s rich, dynamic sound. With musicians like Paul Jordanous on trumpet and Mike Pratt on bass, audiences can expect an electrifying performance that elevates these compositions to new heights.

In an era where jazz and funk often find themselves divided between nostalgia and reinvention, Lampin’ bridges the gap. It respects tradition but isn’t afraid to explore. Whether you’re a jazz purist or a groove-seeker, there’s something in Lampin’ for you.

Don’t miss the chance to experience Synthonic live—this is music made to be felt, live, in action.

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