Fans of synthwave and attempts to recreate those halcyon synthesizer days of the early 80’s must lap this up- a genuine and forgotten 1982 LP, the sole album by Monopol. This is the real deal- synthesizer pop music, close to the cutting edge for its time, revelling in the synth sounds and phrases that so many producers now try to recreate. Motorik drum rhythms, warm analogue basslines and whistling lead lines are a classic combination but this is a really good example of its kind.

Predictably Kraftwerk and Klaus Schulze are cited as influences on the press release, but the German-language pop sensibility is arguably more MOR than that, with melodies and structures more reminiscent of bands like OMD, Propaganda, and very early Depeche Mode. The mixture of male and female lead vocals keeps things interesting and each track is a radio-friendly length, with only one track, the slightly more indulgent "Weisses Haus", passing the four-minute mark.

From my UK point of view, if Monopol had had a single strongly-hooked English-language radio hit, or managed to get Trevor Horn's attention, I'm sure they would be a great deal more remembered than they are now. The standout tracks include “TV”, the almost prototype acid house tones of “Elektrischer Stuhl”, and “City-Nacht” which is just crying out to be used on a soundtrack. The track “Gib Liebe Her”, the only track issued as a 7” single originally, is strangely ‘oompah’ and borderline cliché, an unrepresentative choice as a single.

A mint copy of the original LP will set you back the best part of €100 but it’s now been remastered and reissued on vinyl by Medical Records. Seemingly it's still vinyl-only and limited edition, a bold but faithful move, but one which might unnecessarily limit its audience which is a shame as this LP is definitely ripe for a revival.