Retro-Futruristic Soundscapes: Discovering Lady Robot by Laszlo Bencker

While not as widely known as some other electronic music from the same era, “Lady Robot” has garnered a cult following among enthusiasts of vintage electronic and synth music. Its unique sound and the skillful production of Laszlo Bencker make it a noteworthy album in the history of electronic music.

Laszlo Bencker is a Munich based Hungarian composer, producer and keyboardist. He is known for arranging and conducting the West German entry for the Eurovision Song Contest 1987, which finished second behind Johnny Logan and for being the keyboardist for 2-time Oscar Winner and “Father of Disco” Giorgio Moroder. Over the course of his career, he has produced several albums that often feature electronic music and synth-heavy compositions.

The album “Lady Robot” is one of them: The synth-driven electronic album was Laszlo Benckers first solo release for Sonoton Music. Released in the mid 1980s and known for its futuristic and somewhat experimental soundscape, the album embodies the innovative spirit of electronic music in that era like no other. It draws on influences from the burgeoning techno and synthpop scenes as well as the more adventurous electronic music of the 1970s. With the use of synthesizers and electronic effects prominently throughout, it creates a sound that was cutting edge at the time and remains nostalgic for fans of vintage electronic music.

What makes Lady Robot special, is that it is not a multitrack recording. All synthesizers were playing together, triggered by the Linn 9000 and connected via a Midi System (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) and digitally recorded to PCM 2-track. The equipment in use, were the synthesizers Yamaha DX7, Yamaha TX-816, Oberheim Xpander, Roland Super Jupiter, Prophet 5, Casio CZ-101, an Akai S-612 Digital Sampler and, as aforementioned, the Linn 9000 drum machine.

Fast forward to 2024: Being huge fans of that record ourselves, we asked Laszlo for a reboot of this legendary work of music. Now, Lady Robot Rebooted has been released on Sonoton Music and is bringing a fresh take on this cult classic. Listen to both albums below.

Lady Robot Rebooted (2024):

The original Lady Robot (1986) Remastered: