A physical device such as a "groovebox" might be interesting for you, they include sequencing, drum machine and synth in one box, much like teenage engineering's OP-1 (which is expensive and modern). One I'm looking at getting is the Roland MC-505. Some people will say they sound this or that, but listen to some demos people have put on youtube and decide for yourself. Think they go for less than £300, and you can make a whole album on one.