Step forth trans-Atlantic Hip Hop duo Pimpernel Jones (UK) and Simple X (Chicago, US) or as the united two shall be known – Herma Puma.

Their cool and idiosyncratic birth child Synchromystic via dope independent label First Word Records shares a love of crate-digging across obscure sounds. Apparently inspired by their uniform love for Pete Rock and Prince Paul, Synchromatic begins with the moody jazz rhythm and pulsating base of atmospheric opener ‘Chapel Perlious’ , painting a clear picture that you’re in for 45minutes or so, of chilled Hip Hop bliss.

And there lies another point. Boosting 17 tracks, which rarely pass 3 minutes, it holds a slender pace. A beautiful collection of dusty atmospheric beats with the odd welcome break from rappers both side of the pond.

With attention to details like quirky samples and pin-point scratches, it refreshingly covers a brimming pan of collective flavours, from Soul, Jazz, Funk without losing focus from the central well seasoned taste.

Although we like to pick out favourites here at Beatnik, it’s best you just press play. But if you insist, the emotional cries of ‘Sunday’ are a treat, while the snare of ‘When The Tables Turn’ build the perfect platform for Scud One’s distinctive flows – although painstakingly too short.

‘Eye’ and ‘Dream‘ are the stand out instrumentals, while ‘Jollys‘ with its infusion of echoing submarine notes over dusty looped beats means this release will win a vast number of fans outside the genre. The album ends with breakbeat ‘Psyche Out‘,  a stronger wake up call than drinking a pure citrus smoothie.

What’s extra special is that apart from getting a free 7” Digiwax release of Disposable Rappers / Psyche Out for all those wax heads with your purchase, the super dope artwork for Synchromatic comes courtesy of street famed graffiti painter turned acclaimed artist Remi Rough.

Don’t Sleep , you’ll really enjoy this.

Words Ali Raymond
Synchromystic is out on First Word Records with distribution via Kudos Records on June 12th
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