T.R.A.S.E. – Tape Recorder And Synthesiser Ensemble

Given the current popularity of retro-futuristic synth music, it is a joy to hear this long-forgotten prototype from the early 80s, made with bedroom recording equipment and a self-constructed synthesiser by the teenage Andy Popplewell, who would go on to be an engineer at the BBC Radiophonic Workshop. Occasionally accomapnied by his younger brother on guitar, these instrumental takes on the synth-pop sound are the 16 year-old Popplewell's attempts to mimic and recreate the sounds of early Gary Numan, Human League, and the soundtrack work of John Carpenter.

In many ways these minimal, stripped-down compositions equal or even better the artists he was emulating. Gently shimmering synth layers breathe and interact over linear drum patterns while gentle eddies of guitar echo in and out. A preparedness to let simple melodic sequences play out recalls Music For Films-era Eno, but the hooks are undeniable. This is not just a fantastic record, but something of a revelation. [Bram E. Gieben]