If smooth grooves, intricate harmonies, and vintage funk stylings wrapped in modern production are your thing, Synthonic’s latest album Lampin’ should be at the top of your playlist. Hailing from the scenic town of Sidmouth, England, Synthonic has been steadily carving out a name in the UK music scene with a unique sound that blends 90s Acid Jazz influences with a contemporary sonic palette. On Lampin’, released May 23, 2025, the artist brings it all home — literally — with an album crafted in their own home studio that feels warm, lived-in, and musically rich.
This isn’t just a studio exercise in jazz-funk nostalgia. Lampin’ sounds like the result of an artist who’s comfortable in their musical identity and not afraid to revisit their roots with a fresh perspective. The album is packed with layered compositions, analog flavor, and tasteful collaborations that elevate the entire experience.
The album’s title Lampin’, which nods to the laid-back vibes of 90s urban slang, perfectly captures the project’s mood. It’s smooth and unhurried — music for late-night drives, sunny park hangs, and dimly lit lounges. Tracks like “All Day, Every Day” and the title track “Lampin’” immediately stand out. Both are groove-heavy, featuring syncopated basslines and mellow yet complex harmonic arrangements. These songs prove that Synthonic isn’t just chasing a vibe — they’re building one from the ground up.
From the very first listen, it’s clear that Synthonic knows how to layer sounds. Blending live instruments with VSTs, synths, and samples, the textures on this record are full but never overwhelming. Every element — from the tight rhythm sections to the warm horn lines — is given space to breathe.
One of the standout features of Lampin’ is its collaborative spirit. Synthonic enlisted an impressive lineup of featured musicians, including Vasilis Xenopoulos on tenor sax, Jack Birchwood (of Blackjack Horns) on trumpet, Valere Speranza on bass, and Jeremy Dunning on guitar. These contributors bring a live, organic energy that elevates the record beyond its electronic core.
Rather than simply layering solos over digital beats, these musicians interact with the production in dynamic, meaningful ways. Their performances feel integrated and intentional — a testament to Synthonic’s skill not just as a composer, but as a bandleader and arranger.
Hot on the heels of the album’s release, Synthonic and their live band hit the main stage of the Sidmouth International Jazz & Blues Festival, opening for UK soul/pop icon Gabrielle. The timing was perfect — Lampin’ plays like a festival-ready setlist in album form. Its mix of head-nodding rhythms and jazz sophistication makes it ideal for both seated listeners and dancing crowds.
Synthonic’s appearance at both the Sidmouth Festival and the Southampton Modern Jazz Club further establishes their growing reputation in the live circuit. With Lampin’, they’ve made it clear they’re not just a studio act — they’re performers with staying power.
The album wears its influences on its sleeve — from Jamiroquai’s funk-infused grooves to the harmonic complexity of Stevie Wonder, the crisp production style of Anomalie, and the polished jazz-funk of Incognito. But Synthonic doesn’t rely on imitation. Instead, they distill these inspirations into a distinct sound that feels both nostalgic and current.
While many artists chase trends, Synthonic is leaning into timeless musicality. There’s a maturity to the songwriting and a deliberate restraint in the arrangements that give the album an air of sophistication. It’s clear they’re not trying to go viral — they’re building something enduring.
Lampin’ is the kind of record that invites multiple listens. Each spin reveals new layers — a horn flourish you missed, a clever rhythmic turn, a melodic twist that catches your ear differently depending on your mood. It’s jazz without the pretension, funk without the fluff, and soul that doesn’t have to shout to be heard.
Whether you’re a longtime Acid Jazz aficionado or just someone looking for music that feels warm, groovy, and emotionally intelligent, Lampin’ is worth your time. It’s an album that proves Synthonic is more than a promising artist — they’re a vital voice in modern groove music, with roots in the past and eyes on the future.
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