Synthonic set to release new album

Standing at the crossroads of jazz and retro funk flair, Synthonic is the project of London-born musician Kieron Garrett. A classically trained pianist and tuba player who first picked up instruments at age seven, his journey has seen him traverse the orchestral world, dive into the rhythmic sphere of jazz and finally arrive at a distinct, groove-focused sound. Now based in Devon, his musical background still run through the capital’s iconic jazz scene, shaped by years performing at legendary venues like Ronnie Scott’s, the 606 Club and the EFG London Jazz Festival.

Though his early career saw the formation of the Kieron Garrett Quartet and collaborations with UK jazz artist Dave O’Higgins, Kieron’s pivot to funk came in 2018 with the launch of Synthonic and debut single “Head Banging.” Since then, the project has grown steadily, gathering global momentum and earning label attention from Germany’s Supertunes and the USA-based NightOwl Collective for 2020 tracks like “I Hop” and “You’ve Got Me Tied Up” respectively. With a sharp ear for texture and a rhythm-forward ethos, Synthonic has forged a sound that celebrates live musicianship while embracing the joyous, genre-blurring spirit of instrumental funk.

Now, with the release of his sophomore album Lampin’, he expands on his sonic vision with new material written and produced entirely by himself. Described simply as instrumental funk, with tasteful vocal samples peppered throughout, Lampin’ delivers a nine-track release that’s set to drop this Friday the 23rd of May.

Kieron has assembled a stellar band drawn from his years in the UK’s jazz and funk circuits, including saxophonist Vasilis Xenopoulos, Blackjack Horns’ Jack Birchwood, trumpeter Paul Jordanous, known for his work with Rag’n’Bone Man and bassist Mike Pratt, currently touring with prog rock legend Bill Bruford. Together, they infuse the record with a live energy that sidesteps the mechanical feel of overly produced funk and instead leans into spontaneity and groove.

Kicked off with “All Day, Every Day,” smooth flicker of guitar is met with the bold stabs of piano bass notes as the snap of drums ushers in a slick groove that flows with infectious rhythm and playful instrumental flourishes. Bright brass pips inject warm colour to the arrangement, resulting in an uplifting jam that glides through delicate moments of instrumental solos, driven by the pulse of bass and crisp punch of drums.

The soft bounce of keys on “Chameleons” follows, joined by the rattle of drums and the hazy rhythms of funky guitars. Leaning into a spacey soundscape of zapping synth textures and intricate lead keys, it’s a spectacular showcase of Kieron’s creative flair and the performance panache of the exceptional musicians on the record. Slowing things down on “Tonight,” dreamy key tones gently float through an airy atmosphere of smooth basslines and elegant instrumental textures before the shuffle of drums brings in soulful vocal leads to craft a dazzling, downtempo moment on the album.

Other highlights include tracks like the aptly titled “Big Fat Funk!” with its thrilling energy of punching drums, lively brass and sensational lead guitar licks, serving up an epic slice of invigorating modern instrumental funk. Title track “Lampin'” brings shimmering vibes of mesmeric keys and fluttering tones before a record scratch sees the track slide into a sultry jam of pulsing groove and mellow brass lines to cast a transportive and truly engaging listening experience.

Closing the album with “Spiral,” Kieron Garrett and his band serve up one final dose of uptempo funk full of buzzing bass tones and spirited instrumental performances that progresses through a composition brimming with twists and turns. The band recently lit up rooms at Dawkes Music and the Southampton Modern Jazz Club and is set to bring Lampin’ to a wider audience at the Sidmouth International Jazz Festival, sharing the main stage with none other than R&B pop icon Gabrielle. The performance, scheduled for May 24th, promises to be a standout moment for the project, pairing Kieron’s studio sound with the tactile thrill of live performance.