Alan Hawkshaw / Brian Bennett: Synthesis (KPM Music Library, 180g) Vinyl LP

Synthesizer fire! The rear cover blurb for this library record - "Vivid contemporary sounds for a fresh visual image" - is an apt description of this blistering synth-driven library record originally released in 1974 by KPM Music Library, reissued for the first time by Be With Records. Synthesis was the work of Alan Hawkshaw and Brian Bennett, two heavyweights in the British library production scene. Their work would go on to influence and be sampled by a plethora of hip-hop artists (including Lootpack and Drake, among others). This release is a synth concept album of sorts, showcasing the multitude of possibilities of the ARP Odyssey (TTL sells the modern version of the ARP Odyssey) with a rhythm section to back the synth overload. This album is an essential companion piece to their other release on offer, Synthesizer And Percussion. While the music sometimes drifts into a weird electronic music vibe, it does so while remaining accessible and groovy. Almost like a proto g-funk with blissed-out soundscapes, you can hear how it influenced artists like Stereolab and Koushik. Songs to check out include the super-synth-funk cuts "The Executive," "Big Black Cadillac" and "Getting It Together" (the latter has an absolutely killer bass groove), as well as the impossibly smooth tracks "Alto Glide" and "Mermaid". But enough of me waxing poetic about the songs, give them a listen for yourself and decide. 12 tracks in all, remastered from the original master tracks. Released by Be With Records. Recommended.

• Limited Edition pressed on 180g vinyl
• remastered from the original analog tapes
• Be With Records 2018

reviewed by RBG 12/2018