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Benge - Twenty Systems
A sumptuous and very tactile little object
Superb idea this – take London man with collection of vintage synths, get him to play about with them in a simple, demolike fashion and then issue the recordings. The result is Twenty Systems, a fascinating, unfussy musical view of the 20 most important synthesisers since time began.
Chronologically moving through the two decades from the Moog Modular (1968) to the Kawai K5M (1987), we take in our personal favourite (the VCS 3), the major Arps, the Yamahas, Oberheims and classic Fairlight CMI. Not only does it give the listener an uncomplicated and accurate sonic signature of each, but you begin to start thinking about their classic appearances (think Wendy Carlos, Vangelis, Carl Craig), the defining recordings in which they all feature, and a whole lot more.
For something so simple it’s unbelievably deep, hypnotic and incredibly stirring. It also makes you hugely envious of Benge; people should not be allowed to have this much fun in private. Presented like a beautiful minisynth book, we have brief histories and some great photography. Fascinating, educational and very musical, Twenty Systems is a magical document of space, time and synthesised sound. This should never be out of print. Full marks.
Expanding | ECDB 1:08
Reviewed by Jonny Trunk
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