Synthetix Weekend Update

This will be the last Weekend Update for a couple of weeks as I'll be taking a little vacation over the Easter period and will be back and rockin April 29. There'll be one more review I'll cover this coming week before the break, however.

Another big week in the scene has elapsed and I've got a bunch of hot rockin tunes to share with you in this week's Weekend Update on Synthetix.FM. The first thing I definitely need to cover this week is the amazing anthology release compilation from Werkstatt Recordings released recently. The Werkstatt Chronicles is an incredible documentation of the history thus far of one of the scene's most prolific labels.

Spanning five years this compilation covers fifty six (yes, FIFTY SIX) tracks from a tonne of musical denominations but always with retro vibe. Lots of the scene's most loved and respected producers show up on this release, including the likes including Protector 101, Fantastisizer, Sam Haggblad and Gost along with a myriad of producer's Werkstatt has continuously promoted. This label is one of the central hubs of the 80s inspired synth scene and I'd like to take this moment to thank Kostas for all his work and determination in sharing so much wonderful music. Here's to the next five years, my good man.

You can pick up a copy of The Werkstatt Chronicles on Bandcamp here at a name-your-own-price point. Please support this release as this label is vastly important to the development of the scene.


Time to switch on your inflight entertainment console and blast off into the wide blue yonder with this week's AIRBORNE hits on Synthetix.FM!

Run Vaylor - Star Knight - Rockin a new six track EP straight out of France comes Run Vaylor with his Star Knight release. This producer's sounds combine great vintage progressions and melodies with a modern energy that makes them sound very club oriented. His work on this EP really hits some big high points with 'Saturn V' and 'Orbital Cocktail' really taking the Run Vaylor synthscapes into exciting new realms.



Dan Terminus - Rêverie - Resident synth antichrist Dan Terminus has eschewed his lusts for the aural violence he so wantonly creates and has instead gone for a much more positive aspect with his new diversion Rêverie. Distorted terrors are replaced with sweet, breezy melodies and are arranged with delightful care and nuance for the most part, but Terminus can't help himself and unleashes the beast in the final chapter, I guess he needed to add something darker to balance out the lovingly crafted synth serenade to Vincenzo Salvia which precedes it.


Spacious Sweep - Searing Chains - When it comes to Italo flavoured synth action there are few as prolific in the scene as Spacious Sweep/JEJE80 Home Production. This rocker has been one of my favourite creators of 80s synth that is written with a wonderfully fun aspect and oodles homage to the classic sounds. Searing Chains is a package of ten tracks from the last few months that really encapsulate the Spacious Sweep magic. Although the release is officially being hosted on DepostiFiles, please give him some love on his soundcloud page here and continue supporting his music.

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The first of a few new rockers for Synthetix.FM this week is Daniel Deluxe and his latest work 'The Getaway'. Maximum levels of intrigue and intensity in the opening stages lead to full throttle excitement as OutRun styles are taken on a collision course with Michael Cassette-esque elements. The experience is rockin from beginning to end and is currently available for FREE download via the player.




Having been on a bit of a break for the last couple of months Cougar Synth have triumphantly returned with a sublimely beautiful new slice of warmth Synth Romance titled 'Denying Everything'. The mood is fragile and intimates undertones of need and emotional sensitivities ensconced in the glowing haze of that Cougar Synth magic we love so much. Currently available for FREE download.




The scene continues to go all wonderfully topsy turvy this week as a new chapter has arrived in the Garth Knight story. He's taken a trip off the funky well lit streets we're accustomed to finding him in and is instead now exploring darker alleys of festering decay and untold horrors. 'Nightmare City' gives the Garth Knight synthscape the Giallo Disco treatment and it rocks harder than a melonfarmer. Available for purchase via the player.



Someone who we all can rely on to bring things back to normality is Who Ha. His new album project has begun with his homage to the shapeliest of derrieres in 'Cutiest Petutiest Gluteus'. The album is going to be an ongoing work with songs added to  the Bandcamp page for Pop Goes The Who Ha  as he  sees fit. Expect radness, badness and madness in equal portions as Who Ha rocks the 80s all around the world once again.




MegaDrive's brand of high energy synth necromancy has returned with a great new track called 'Slum Lord'. The music is dark and bubbling over with maleficence while melodic details sharpen their wits in electrifying passages from which there is no escape. Be sure to check out a marvellously entertaining interview with MegaDrive in the latest episode of Beyond Synth if you'd like to learn more about this totally kick arse producer.




To celebrate the beginning of Spring in the northern hemisphere Sferro has been very public spirited in offering a phenomenal new track called 'Let's Take The Top Down' for FREE download. This is one of those amazing pieces of music that hooks you deep within seconds and never lets go. I absolutely love this track, and I'm sure you will too. Thanks, Sferro rocker! Happy Spring to you too!




A brand new producer just beginning to rock the scene has opened his account with a hugely impressive track. Shock Street's 'Andromeda' is being groomed to have a vocal track at some stage but this instrumental version was something I just couldn't pass up on covering. The way this track has been constructed is wildly engrossing. Synths soar and passages become uplifting in their presence throughout the narrative. This is currently available for FREE download via the player too.




Must be something about Spring that brings a lot of producers back into the fray as Vestron Vulture has also released a new track for the first time in quite a while but my word; it was well worth the wait. 'Dethboy' from its name and art work would appear to be a work of dark synth brutality but is instead a very positively constructed journey that is held together by a synthually wondrous refrain. This is available for FREE download currently too.





We haven't visited with Right Knider for a while now but this situation is definitely remedied with his epic new jame 'Cosmonot'. The ambiance and spatial quality of this track a joy to behold as mind altering synths take you into the galaxies above upon wings of pure retro synth magic. The passages of this track are crafted with a keen appreciation of narrative based soundtrack synth and the perilous journey becomes one we simply must see through to the end.




Block 35 has been on my radar for a while now and his new track certainly made me sit up and take notice. 'Splashing Waves' is an entrancing blend of Italo sounds that are bright and sparkling in a most alluring way. Details are sharp and full of joie de vivre and are thoroughly energising in their overt display of glorious 80s love. You can pick up a copy of this rockin track at a name-your-own-price point via the link to Bandcamp in the player.




One of my all-time favourite collaborative teams in the work STARFORCE and Dynatron produce; whenever they get together magic surely follows and with their latest track 'Cyborg Cyclops' we get to experience that rockin magic once again. An ever so slightly 70s prog element is present in the lead melody which adds even more impetus to their retro synthscapes. Arranged and engineered for seriously rockin good times this killer track is available for FREE download via the player.




Another hot new rocker for this week's Weekend Update, this time FlashROM with his beautiful new track 'Forever'. This passionate composition is like supercharged Synth Romance as the layers of synths and guitars meet in an electric embrace. There's a whole lot to love about this superb track, I can't wait to experience more of the FlashROM experience!




Thundering out of the starting grid and hitting top speed in nanoseconds is the thrill ride known as Tokyo Rose with his powerhouse new track 'Zender Overdrive'. Thumping OutRun percussion and swerving synth melodies accelerate past the competition and disappear over the horizon in a dazzling display of refined engineering and pure adrenalin. Totally kick arse.




Continuing the OutRun flavour let's scorch the asphalt into dangerous oblivion with Will Burn's death defying frenzy 'Wrong Wayz'. Everything on this track is turned up into the red zone and one's pulse is sure to be sky rocketing into the stratosphere as each chapter pushes harder than the last. This incendiary tracer bullet of synth energies is available for FREE download via the player.




Miami Beach Force are back with a killer follow up to 'Robotic Assassin' called 'Neon Ninja'. The eastern flavours are marvellously well woven into this action soundtrack oriented piece. The chapters are assembled seamlessly with a magically potent refrain tying the tension together into a bundle set to break its restraints and exact revenge upon all and sundry.




The final track for this week's Weekend Update just snuck in before the cut off point and I'm very happy it did. New 80s Stallone music is always cause for much excitement and his new track 'Bollinger' is as smooth and refreshing as the drink itself. The 80s Stallone blend of quality 80s craftsmanship within modern arrangements is always a joy to experience and this is totally rockin all the right ways.



Not one but two videos are to be featured as the final part of this week's Weekend Update. First up is a beautifully pieced together video for AloneWolf's track 'The Way Of The Wolf' as made by the original composer. The editing is cut perfectly to the track and adds a complimentary visual component to this great track.


AloneWolf: The Way Of The Wolf [Music video] from AloneWolf on Vimeo.


The second video is a totally rockin new teaser for Perturbator's next release: Dangerous Days. Employing the talents of Mykola Dosenko we're presented with a cityscape in a 16bit heat haze, burgeoning in glorious parallax with a soundtrack filled with wanton desire and fiery emotions. This is just short clip, but my lord does it leave one champing at the bit for more.




That does us for an XXXL Weekend Update on Synthetix.FM, as I stated earlier I've still got one more review I'll be posting during the week before taking a week and a half off over the Easter period.

'Til then, stay 80s and keep on rockin.

Synthetix Weekend Update

Only one week left to get in your submissions of the Synthetix.FM Rhythm Vivisection Halloween Mixtape! Be sure to get your darkest and most blood curdling synth jams to me over the next week, it's already looking fantastic with hot new tracks from Vincenzo Salvia, Denovomutans, MegaDrive, TSTR, Chaconne and Ilya Santana already in, amongst others. Drop me a line via the contact form if you've got something to add to terror!

Onto a new project now from Антон Лебедь and his studio Montana Games. Антон has begun to realise one of my dreams that I hoped someone would make real. His project is a new racing video game based on a graphics engine styled on gorgeous 80s wireframes. The video below conveys how beautiful this aesthetic is, and to have it as a playable game is going to rock even harder!



Антон is looking for producers willing to share their music for Glow Racing.  I'm sure you can imagine the absolutely sublime experience it will be for totally retro-futuristic immersion and Антон is hoping to release this on numerous formats and Synthetix.FM is getting behind it 1000%. If you can offer anything help aid him in making this a reality please contact him via email here.

I'm sure you'll agree, this is going to be an amazing interactive experience!!


Right on, time to get the new Synthetix Weekend Update rockin!


First up is a hot new jam from Fantastisizer. It's his first new track in a few months has certainly been worth the wait. 'Breaking Point' is darker piece that has some very interesting melodic structures and sounds, lending to it an otherworldly glow. Great to have Fantastisizer back and rockin the scene.




NFD Music's new track is a soundtrack synth composition which is going to be used as a accompaniment to a graphic novel he's also producing, which in itself is a very exciting premise. 'Jack Slade' has a moody build to it that rises like a storm. The adventure begins with this piece and I'm definitely looking forward to where NFD will take us. This track is currently available for FREE download.




A rip roaring new track from Future Holotape next. This synth pop experience is full of passion and fervour and absolutely stunning synth work. 'Cult Hallucinations' is dark in it's aspect but the synth melodies add gleaming lights and colours to the mix.




Something utterly epic now from the ever rad Photosynthesi. I wasn't sure where he was going with this new track's introductory passage but the build that follows leads into one of the most emotionally rich and rewarding pieces of lustrous synth romance of 2013. The echoing percussion and hypnotising melodies are overflowing with brilliantly realised sentiment in a narrative that is as vast as it is intimate. Stunningly beautiful.




Mitch Murder's video game soundtrack covers are always something special and he's really killed it on his latest FREE download track 'Mute City'. Yes, this is the soundtrack to the Mute City course from the classic SNES Mode7 racer F-Zero. The Mitch Murder magic is rockin all kinds of ways in this great re-imagining of a tune that is definitely one of my fondest video game racing tunes. Also be sure to pick up the new three track EP from Mitch Murder on his Bandcamp page here which contains his recent hits 'Killer Angels', 'Medley for Science' and new rocker 'Frame of Mind'.




Keeping the accelerator firmly planted is the new track from MoweLan 'Desert Drift'. There is a smooth elegance to this piece that is very engaging. The delicate nature of the melodies are underpinned by a powerful rhythm section. It's pace isn't high speed, but this is the ultimate slow motion replay accompaniment for any blazing fast motorsport.




The new track from Aysyne is dramatic OutRun styled affair titled 'New Action Hero'. The music geared for lots of dangerous action and thrilling scenes with killer orchestral stabs and catchy refrain that holds the narrative together. This is currently available for FREE download too.




One of the biggest journeys in 2013 has been Lazerhawk's Skull And Shark soundtrack for Dave Rapoza's new web comic. I've been ardently following it's progress and it excites me greatly to know that long wait is coming to an epic climax very, very soon. The new teaser Lazerhawk has shared may only be glimpses at the full experience, but I can guarantee it's going to be a monstrously vast release.




Going to the entire opposite end of the 80s inspired synth spectrum is the delightful new track from James Baker. 'When I See You' is brimming with glittering 80s synth naiveté that continues the feelings from the extremely awesome Un Paradis Tropical. I brings me great pleasure that James Baker has share these tracks, and seven more originals in his FREE album release available here. This is definitely something everyone should have in their 80s inspired synth music library.




Arne Ruudson is moving into the danger zone and high speed with his new rocker 'The Final Race'. Instruments are layered in with purpose and energies are focused to a pin point of searing synth power. I love the personality of this track as the sounds lend themselves to a videogame inspired tone that is full of retro charm.




80s Stallone is feeling the drama and passion in his new track 'Hold On'. I love 80s Stallone's dramatic pieces as they have such a triumphant spirit about them and this new track is no exception. The music is kept uncomplicated and has a great vocal track that fits in exceedingly well. This is available for download at a name-your-own-price point.



More action now, courtesy of Danger Mode and his new OutRun adventure 'Survivor'. Arrangements are engineered for huge excitement as modern and vintage flavours mix into one thrilling experience. The Danger Mode synthscape blooms into a spectacular new forms on this track and it's definitely one of my favourites from him.




One of the biggest songs of the week is definitely the new synth pop classic 'High School Love' by the combined talents of Sunglasses Kid and Miranda Carey. Once again Sunglasses Kid's understanding of how 80s pop music magic is created comes to delicious fruition as the scene's newest chanteuse rocks into glorious prominence. Totally rad and magical. Radgical? Yeah, that'll work.




The final part of this week's Weekend Update will be of no surprise to those who frequent the Synthetix Music Group on Facebook, where I originally shared this track as I couldn't contain my excitement upon initially experiencing it. This is a track by Adrien Aubrun & Thomas Trichet,  with the title of 'F40 1987'. Adrien contacted me with this and my mind was blown apart the instant I heard it. The emotional depth in the melodies as well as the dynamic production makes for some of the most wonderful music I've heard this year. I am floored by the beauty of this experience, and I've been informed that Adrien and Thomas are trying to do a full EP of 80s inspired synth music in the future.
For now, we have a true opus of what this music is all about, I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.



That does us for another rockin Weekend Update on Synthetix.FM, I'll be back during the week with more good times and great rock'n'roll from the 80s inspired synth scene.

'Till then, stay 80s and keep on rockin.

Synthetix Weekend Update

All the planets must be in alignment this past week as a whole ensemble of 80s synth heavy hitters have shared brand new music in an onslaught of pink neon explosiveness. September is going to be a big month for EP and album releases, so keep your internet dial tuned to Synthetix.FM for all the radness a rocker can bear.

One of the great things currently happening in the 80s inspired synth scene is people stepping up and doing their thing to spread the word. As I mentioned in the Protector 101post I did this week Andy Synth is doing a fantastic new shows called Beyond Synth. Andy's already done interviews with Who Ha, Ogre Sound and Vincenzo Salvia, as well as the aforementioned session with Protector 101. The interviews as informal and relaxed and make for very entertaining listening.

Also stepping up is 80s synth scene mainstay BenniMushu and his new show on KFAI radio, Synth Waves. Anyone who's been active in the scene over the last few years will recognise BenniMushu as one of the most ardent and loyal fans of 80s inspired synth music on soundcloud. Now that he has his own radio show he's doing interviews and playing the hottest rockin tunes.

These two rockers will hopefully fill the void for quality interviews with all the great producers in the scene. I had intended for Synthetix.FM to do more interviews, as I've done in the past, but the workload on here has meant I've not been able to devote nearly enough time to doing them to a standard I'm happy with. I always hoped that other rockers would stand up and take on that role and now with at least two sites doing podcast style interviews this should provide a huge amount of good times and great rock'n'roll for those fans, like myself, who want to know more about the scene's raddest talent.

Let's get down to business with some solid gold tunes that are sure to make your days brighter and your nights hotter with the new Weekend Update on Synthetix.FM!


First up is another great track from Pumping Body with 'Young Untouchable'. This Polish producer is really weaving some great 80s magic in his music and this latest track is no exception. Upbeat melodies and punchy percussion set moods to exciting, with a chance of romance. Currently available for FREE download too.




Even though Dance With The Dead pushed their full length album release back to sometime this month they're still making sure we know what we're going to be in for and that, most importantly, it'll be well worth the wait. In their latest demo, 'Xenon', the duo once again combine the danceability of high energy OutRun with the darker sides of Giallo Disco. As always the arrangements create an incredibly deep narrative that thrills and chills it's way into your soul.




It's always going to be a red letter day when theres new Photosynthesi music around and this new track certainly reinforces this. 'Out Of The Blue' is full of cascading melodies and azure vistas full of cresting waves and breezy synths; you'll need to put your sunglasses on for maximum effect. This track is also and exclusive to the new episode KFAI's Synth Waves show.




It's great to see Les Chic Voltage is back and rockin the scene more frequently of late. His latest work is a slow burning synth adventure  called 'Fresh Dub 82'. Containing some massive drums and dub elements he ties it all together with some totally tubular 80s melodies that make the entire experience a magical affair. Currently available for FREE download too.




80s Stallone dropped not one but two super cool tracks this week. Both are inspiring and full of 80s love and passion and I found myself in quite a quandary as to which one I enjoyed the most. I think 'Heavyweight' has a slightly richer story but 'Comeback' has a charm that is undeniable. The solution? Heres 'Heavyweight' and heres 'Comeback' so rock em both loud and proud!




Moustache Machine unleashed the spectacular 'Mission Control' this week ans I'm still feeling the aftershocks. The build on this track is totally kick arse and the nods to OutRun and Italo sounds throughout the adventure is as rockin as it is riveting. Also available currently for FREE download.




In what promises to be one hell of a synthscapade through many dimensions is the new full length record form Shio-Z. The preview he has posted covers a massive amount of territory and each track definitely piques my interest and makes me hunger for more. We don't have to wait long for this album's release though as it's released date is only a few days away on the 10th of September, but you can start getting excited right now!




The big hits just keep on coming and they don't get much bigger than STARFORCE's new single. 'Alpine Glow Part II' is a sequel to one of the most popular tracks off their last album Ominiversal Oscillations and it continues the ideas and emotions forged in the original to wondrous new evolutions.
It's an awe inspiring experience with a grandeur and class that is irrepressible. This epic is currently available for FREE download too, so get it rockin ASAP!




I honestly find it hard to put into words just how much I love Sternrekorder's music. Every time I get to post a new track by this amazing producer I seem to find it that little bit harder to convey just how hard his music rocks. In his latest track 'Duesenjaeger' we have yet another glorious ride into a fanciful wonderland of shimmering brilliance and beautiful synthscapes. Magnificent!




Funk synth rockers Jupiter Gang are back with a kickin new tune called 'The Escape'. I find this act one of the most exciting in this field of 80s synth as there seems to be a completely lucid understanding of the genre in their music. I can just see Morris Day & The Time marching up and down the stage to this with synths in hand and bad intentions on their minds. Also available for FREE download!




Another massive release in the offing is a new album from scene legend FM Attack. This exciting new  release promises a huge amount of glowing 80s love done with that touch of modernity. There are currently five preview tracks available for your early indulgence on FM Attack's soundcloud here but I couldn't resist sharing 'Magic' featuring the inimitable premier chanteuse of the 80s inspired synth scene Kristine on vocals. We don't have wait too long for the album as De Ja Vu is due to be released next week on the 12th of September.




Next up is the brand new track from Dr Pecco which blew me the first time I heard it. In 'Scubamask' Dr Pecco creates just the right level of drama and intrigue while lacing the synthscape with a wonderfully catchy lead melody. This instantly became one of my favourite tracks by the good Doctor, plus it's also available for FREE download currently!




Something that's becoming a fantastic new trend in the scene is the amount of producers getting work doing soundtracks for movies, games and digital comics. These avenues are the perfect way to broaden the audience and fan base that is possible. Foreign Blade has become the most recent producer to explore these new pastures with his new track 'Wiped Out' which will feature in the online comic OutRunners. It's a great track with a darkened mood and a thirst for danger and I hope this leads to more work for Foreign Blade on this production. 'Wiped Out' is available for FREE download too.




Continuing down the dramatic path of intrigue is the new track from Cobra Copter. 'The Plan' is at it's core a funky piece that is bound by a super catchy lead melody but this has been chopped up and almost glitched about in a very entertaining manner. The simplicity of the synthscape allows for much greater explorations of this melody and creates a very engaging experience.




A wonderful new track came my way this week from the delightfully named Zombie Hyperdrive. This piece called 'Citadel' is vastly majestic and rich in melodic harmonies and it's absolutely jubilant in it's stunning chorus refrain. The story is as epic and full of enrapturing details that are completely spellbinding. Definitely one of my favourites in this week's crop of rockin tunes.




To finish off with we have a new high energy roller coaster ride from the alway rockin LA Dreams.
'The Taste Of Glory' is jam packed with twisting turns and high speed straights and the shredding guitars take the experience to all new levels of adrenalin fuelled excitement. Totally rockin.



That does us for another big Weekend Update on Synthetix.FM. I'll be back during the week with more  rockin good times from the 80s inspired synth scene.

'Til then, stay 80s and keep on rockin.

Synthetix Weekend Update

There is an old adage that's used often in regards to things we enjoy that 'less is more'. This is a very pertinent ideal when it comes to music. To make music important and engaging it needs a time and space to be enjoyed and experienced in. Music is a part of my everyday life, there are maybe only five hours in the day where I don't have music with me, even when I sleep. But music seen as a consumable item is a dangerous and precarious way to view something that should be seen as art.

When I changed the format of Synthetix.FM a few weeks ago, I wasn't sure if I was doing the right thing. I really wanted to cover as much new music as possible but I have found encouraging production rates in the scene does no one any favours. An album, EP or song that I fall in love with needs to be enjoyed over time; days, weeks. Not minutes. Allowing music to be digested and absorbed with patience and attention is what I want to encourage. The new format of having cut the Weekend Updates down by about a third and keeping the posts during the week to one or two have given people that chance (I hope) to take their own time with the releases that, I believe, are especially rockin.

The main reason I'm writing this is for you to look at how you listen to music. How much attention you give it, how much you connect to the music and stare deeply into it's magical creation. Music can be as peripheral or integral to your existence as you want it to be and the art form itself, especially in more popular electronic genres, has devolved into a soulless production line. I've always been of the mind that the 80s genres of electronic music have a much greater emotional context, not just from my own sentimentality, but the overall presence and wonder the vintage styles can achieve. Music that is meant to be felt, and made part of your life; something you look back upon over years, and go back to revisit time and time again.

I like to think of all 80s synth producers as artists. Passionate artists, with a deep love and reverence for classic 80s sounds. When I listen to this music I want to feel that connection and experience the vision their muse has driven them to create. Which brings me to the real point of all this, which is the new Alpha Boy EP entitled Home.

Alpha Boy has released a lot of music over the last year or so. He's one of the most prolific producers in the scene, although his work rate pales in comparison to the likes of LA Dreams, Alpha Boy makes a lot of music. I have 80+ Alpha Boy tracks in my music library, and my collection by no means contains all his music. That's a lot of music and in all honesty I thought I'd already heard the best that Alpha Boy had to offer and found myself tuning out to some of his recent work just a little. With his new EP I've found that this was certainly not the case.



The Home EP distills the Alpha Boy experience down into three pieces of music. All very different in their personalities, but each one is a refinement of Alpha Boy's music styles with his trademark melodies seeming to be of much vaster and greater consequence than ever before. The opening track, 'Come In' is definitely the most beautiful and absolutely inspirational piece of music I've ever heard from Alpha Boy. These three minutes and twenty seconds of minimalist synth sounds and deeply emotive melodies is the pinnacle of what the Alpha Boy sound is all about. I feel like the hundred plus pieces of music he has written before this piece was all a lead up to what 'Come In' realises. I could go on and on about this track but I want you, the listener, to enjoy this yourself with your own perspective.

The EP contains two other tracks in 'Purple' and 'Laser Dance', both of which refine Alpha Boys italo flavoured disco and synth wave soundscapes to all new levels of clarity and personality. The sounds are fresh and engaging and there is a new and lustrous energy about each passage of both tracks.

If you think you've already heard everything Alpha Boy has to offer you are in for a massive surprise with this EP as this producer has, for me, ascended to a new level of understanding and creativity of what his art is about. This is an inspirational release, and one that I encourage everyone to welcome into their hearts and minds.

I'm not passing comment on any producer's work rates, especially the likes of someone such as LA Dreams whom consistently dazzles me with his constant stream of amazing releases. But sometimes less is more and that is something to be considered and regarded in how we as individuals relate to the music in our lives.


Now, let's get rockin' with this week's Weekend Update!

Nowtro is back again this week with a hot new track called 'Neon Triathlon'. This new track has a stunning build the really ramps up exponentially with dramatic chords and thumping percussion. Lead synth melodies soar with beautiful resonance and haunting memories. This is a superbly written and arranged track, easily one of Nowtro's finest thus far.




Keeping the mood rockin is Foreign Blade's new work, 'Relax'. Synth melodies usher in sparkling energies and rise skyward before transitioning into sweeping action packed passages. The narrative told through this track is truly epic as we're taken on a journey full of excitement. This is currently available for FREE download currently.




Daxyl are a duo from Germany who's latest track is something very special. 'Travail A L'Usine' takes a slow wander into the cosmos with space synth sounds and dramatic percussion guiding the navigation. The soundscape captures the empty feelings of the cosmos while delicate melodies ponder deeper questions. Many thanks to Lothar Poeller for enlightening me to the wonders of Daxyl.




With the epic brutality of Blood Sport 2092 behind them, Arc Neon are now looking to brighter, dare I say sexier, climes with their new track 'Work It Out'. Synth romance is the order of the day with bright and colourful melodies glistening like jewels in the sun. Theres a glorious naivety to the instrumentations that is thoroughly endearing and totally rockin to the max. This is currently available for FREE download, so get on it!




Python Blue's new work in progress, 'Electric Dreams' takes the producer on a new journey away from his more dramatic soundtrack work into a more action oriented territory. The soundscape is full of classic elements that work together beautifully and create and inspirational synthscape that should make it's way into everyone's training montage mixtapes this week so download it now for FREE.




New music from 80s Stallone next! 'Break' takes the 80s Stallone italo flavoured disco into hyper overdrive with rockin basslines and exorbitant cowbell layered into sweetly written melodies. The recurrent vocal refrains add huge amounts of personality to proceedings while the lasers cut through the smoky haze of the dancefloor before ricochetting off the spinning mirror balls.




Making sure the excitement keeps on rockin is the new track from Seipa. 'Stossel' is a superb homage to the notorious ABC reporter who waged war against Nintendo in the late 80s. The music is kept frenetic and engaging while the samples from Stossel's 20/20 'report' as used sparingly throughout. The synthscape is peppered with some very nicely executed ChipTune sounds, adding even more to the narrative.




Steering a course for danger and terror,  we let the Vestron Vulture take control of the wheel and careen headlong into the synth horror of 'Blood Lust'. Panic and distress take hold and right at the epicentre of the brutality saxophones of doom illicit an alluring Siren's song that is inescapable. The track seems to finish a tad sooner than expected, but perhaps this is an intentional truncation.




Spoiling us with yet another totally kick arse tune this week is Palm Highway Chase. The exhaustingly titled  'Bertone Salt Lake 1980 Studio Channel' is yet another work of magic from this 80s synth scene legend. Melodically exciting and full of authentic instrumentations the music is stunning with a presence all it's own. Passages are deep and full of wonder with swirling synths and rockin percussion.




Time to rock some synth pop with the new Diana Kay song 'Platonic Bride'. The 80s soul glows brightly within this vocally driven track that pays homage to early and late 80s euro synth pop while retaining a rockin original sound. The vocal performance really stands out and adds massive amounts of drama through the chorus and verses. Many thanks to the always k-rad rock Denovomutans for introducing me to Diana Kay. Pick this up for FREE download through the button in the player.




Another great synthpop track out this week is Yannis Rianta's new smoothly sensual song 'Wicked Words'. The minimalist soundscape really lets the vocals intimate beautifully, providing great contrast to the Naomi Campbell samples peppered throughout the track. The flavours are cool and austere, full of 80s love and delivered in a very Tesla Boy-like manner. Currently available for FREE download.




The Energizer Bunny of the 80s inspired synth scene, LA Dreams, released two totally k-rad tracks this week. 'Age Of Innocence' is a absolutely stellar piece of trademark LA Dreams synth romance that is completely entrancing from beginning to end with it's glorious melodies and production. His other track released this week, 'Boys And Girls' is something new for this producer as he dives head first into a pool of cool and refreshing italo disco. LA Dreams knows his 80s and pulls this off with aplomb. Check out 'Boys And Girls' here.




Theres been much love for RF Extreme on Synthetix.FM of late and his latest track is going into full on crush mode as this producer tries his hand at synth romance and totally rocks it. 'Fury Of The Flame' is coursing with emotional melodies and delicate details. The instrumentations are enrapturing to behold with slow moving synths punctuated by the heart beat percussion. The restrain in this piece and overall aesthetic is masterfully done. Be sure to buy your own copy of this track through the link in the player.




A final note for this week's Weekend Update, Palisded has released her VHS Dreams EP (which I reviewed in the June 15 Weekend Update here) on iTunes this week. Click here to pick up a copy of this totally killer EP.


That does us for another hot rockin Weekend Update on Synthetix.FM. I hope you've found some great new tunes from the 80s inspired synth scene here and I look forward to sharing more with you during the week. 'Til then, stay 80s and keep on rockin!

Synthetix Weekend Update

We're now in storm season on Synthetix.FM! It's a time when the releases come in thick and fast with unrelenting velocity. Lots of huge releases are scheduled for April and the single releases are falling from the heavens incessantly. This week's Weekend Update breaks all previous records with twenty one hot rockin tracks. Nowhere will be safe and dry! It's time to get out in the elements and bask in the glory of nature and rock the Weekend Update on Synthetix.FM!


 Garth Knight continues his adventures in the realms of 80s funk with sterling new track Stuck In A Rhythm. It's becoming evident that this style of 80s inspired synth is his calling as there is such a smooth effortlessness to the sounds. With a totally rockin vocal track and energy to burn this is one of Mr Knight's finest thus far.




Some new sounds from one of the latest signings to Future City Records with Lazerspek's new track Twilight In The Age Of Man. This is quite unlike anything I've heard before with some of the most brutal side chaining compression I'm yet to experience. I initially found this distracting, but in the context of the track it's grown on me.




ForeignBlade is a new producer on the scene and his latest work, Ghost Patrol, displays a wonderful understanding of how to make some very engaging synth soundtrack styled music. This has a spectacular tonal quality to the soundscape that works perfectly with the arrangements. Download this track now for FREE.




Vestron Vulture's library is growing in mass and quality with each new release. His latest song is called Ellen Page is a dedication full of unrequited love and dark desires. The vocal track is perfect for the slightly sinister music, creating an atmosphere of uneasiness yet one is unable to resist the infectious melodies. Currently available for FREE download also.




C-60 is really bringing his understanding for synth soundtrack music into the disco with his new preview for Rocket Force. The soundscape is beautifully created and explored and combined with a high energy rhythm section makes for an invigorating aural adventure. I do hope an EP or LP release of this styled affair is impending as the preview is solid gold.




With a penchant for the darker side of the synth comes Fetchis with his new release Le Fantome Arrive.
This brooding giallo disco track is absolutely wonderful with the perfect mix of musical elements to create that killer horror vibe. Special mention must go to the stunning drum track, whose sounds and patterns taking on a truly authentic personality.




Fantastisizer is rockin a new tune this week called Secrets. Taking some darker cues which are then infused with hypnotising melodies the simplicity of the experience enforces the power of it as well. The sounds are full of the genuinely 80s naiveté that proves to be hugely engaging throughout the track's duration.




A similar vibe is present in the latest 80s Stallone experience entitled The End. The melancholy piece 80s Stallone magic shows even more exploring of vocal work in his sounds and it something awesome to behold. The effects laden inflictions are full of human emotion and the music feels arranged around the lyrics for maximum atmosphere. Definitely one of the strongest songs I've heard from 80s Stallone.




From one veteran of the scene to another, the enigmatic Mitch Murder shared his latest opus The Touch this past week. This experience goes even more into a dreamlike ambience that is much less dense and complex than this composer's usual fare. But this is by no means a negative, the sparser soundscape allows the listener to fully appreciate each nuance of each instrument all the more. Rapturously executed.




A new rocker on the scene going under the name Molester Moustache caught my attention this week with his eloquently beautiful synth track First Touch. The music is full of warmth and authentic arrangements but also has an energy in the melodies that demands attention. I can but hope this is the first of many rockin Molester Moustache experiences we have on Synthetix.FM.




Ed Harbinger's latest release provides vast amounts of 80s electro energy. Rousseau is full of drama and   raw synth power that rocks hard. This brings to mind a great many of the classic early 80s european producers while keeping some more modern sounds layered in the mix for extra bonus points.




An exciting new preview for Gost's next EP is rockin YouTube as we speak. The dark horror synth of Gost sounds like it's developing in exciting new directions from this preview, I'll be sure to give it the full Synthetix treatment upon it's release.





A new demo for the latest Rutget Megahertz venture, Just Routine, was another highlight this past week. I adore the personality of the track with it's funk bass line, dreamy synth melodies and totally rockin percussion. This demo is currently available for FREE download currently too.




Sternrekorder is back once again with another totally rad new track, Stahlkonstrukt. I love this producer's music a great deal, his sounds are always so authentic and full of 80s love. This latest track is yet another gem from this producer. Please visit his soundcloud page for more Sternrekorder magic if you've not yet had the pleasure.




Evanton's brand of electro fuelled 80s synth has kicked into high gear with their latest track Beverly Hills Pop. The soundscape is unmistakably Evanton with disco chills and synth thrills and this release is positively charged with equal doses of action and drama. This is also currently available for FREE download, so get on it and rock it as soon as you can.




Definitely the biggest news in the scene this week was the return of Power Glove with a new project for the Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon video game soundtrack. This game's development is going for a very 80s motif and by enlisting the always rockin Power Glove for the soundtrack has cemented the hype for this title very securely. The music is pure Power Glove, with lots of drama and energetic sequences all marching into oblivion with a power house rhythm section. Synthetix.FM will be following this project very closely indeed.




Kicking the synth romance back into the scene is Photosynthesi with the teenage crush brilliance of Once Again. The driving drum track provides the perfect background to the layers of synth beauty. Arranged to perfection with a thumbs up freeze frame right before the credits begin to roll this is yet another golden moment from Photosynthesi.




The lead up to Tommy's impending EP keeps gathering momentum and the single he released this week is another window into Tommy's more ambiant moods. The swelling Aurora is full of bright colours and natural beauty, delicately poised upon the horizon with entrancing melodies and total air of triumph. Currently available for FREE download this track is a must-listen-to experience.




Taking a walk into the darker side we find Lost Years crafting all manner of demonic incantations with his new work Rising Of The Dead. I'm not sure just how much dark synth I've heard from Lost Years, but it's not a great deal, I know that much. Whether this is just an experimental diversion or something he plans on exploring more remains to be seen, but I for one greatly enjoyed this adventure into realms of horror courtesy of Lost Years.




Luxury Elite are one of those artists I find vastly entertaining. This slow tracked looping of  80s music is something I really enjoy and along with Laserdisc Visions and Macintosh Plus; Luxury Elite is becoming a real force to be reckoned with. His latest opus, Aerobics, is undeniable in it's brilliance and
totally kick arse in it's execution.




Our final piece on this week's Wekend Update comes courtesy of the always marvellous LA Dreams and his experience called Dreamers. The LA Dreams sound takes on a bit more of an epic soundtrack flair with this new track but it's most certainly full to overflowing with the LA Dreams magic I instantly fall in love with.  The thematic on this track evolves majestically with a really beautifully orchestrated back section that completes the experience.





That does us for the first April Weekend Update on Synthetix.FM, I hope you didn't get too saturated in  the deluge of new music, because there's lots more to come! I'll be back next week with more good times and great rock'n'roll, 'til then stay 80s and keep on rockin.

Night Crawler & Friends Play Road Blaster

Night Crawler's latest track, Road Blaster, has been released with an assembly of 80s inspired synth talent unsurpassed in recent memory. I think I'd have to go back to the Teenage Criminal release of Hero mid last year to find an equal to the talent enlisted to remix a single track for an EP release.  It provides ensemble visions of the original idea that covers massive expanses of the synth spectrum in a magnificently inspiring manner.




The Road Blaster EP, as one would expect, contains the original by Night Crawler which is then followed by remixes from Miami Nights 1984, Tommy, Dynatron, Protector 101 AND 80s Stallone. I'll get to these retellings in due course, but first lets get rockin with the originator. The original incarnation is a superb synth wave track that takes in classic videogame soundtrack elements, but is by no means a ChipTune affair. The energy is set to turbo and elements of OutRun-like chase excitement charge the atmosphere like electricity. The samples used are not familiar to me, but work exceedingly well. Road Blaster has overall aesthetic really does feel like a soundtrack to the classic arcade game of the same name, which I'm sure provided some of the inspiration to the composer.

The music is arranged for maximum excitement, unrelenting in it's delivery and driven by thousands of horsepower straight into the night, the entire track is packed with action and details that grab the listener by the throat and refuses to relinquish it's grip. With this in mind it's time to experience MN1984's take on this. I was expecting this remix to actually be more OutRun skewed but instead we get a funky synthstravaganza that evolves into something entirely different. The panic on the streets gives way to smooth piano runs and a more deliberate pace, it also feels like the spirit of Lazerhawk possessed MN1984 during the end stages, which is totally rockin. The final result is spectacular while still remaining true to the original.

Moving into Tommy's universe for the second remix of Road Blaster we are treated to the flowing majesty of Tommy's synth magic that seems to follow the action on the streets like a ghostly alien angel. Ever watching over the dangers of the night but ever present as a guiding light. It's no secret I adore Tommy's style and by injecting these sounds and emotions into the experience and removing some of the more mechanical elements one gets a dazzling display of beautifully entrancing music.

As soon as I saw Dynatron's name in the track listing I had an idea of what could happen, but I wasn't prepared for the eventuality. Familiar opening stages are then smashed into oblivion with crunching guitar riffs and a battery of drums and percussion. The mood gets darker, but the energy remains similar to the original and a tangible danger accompanies each building second. By the time the guitar solo side swipes the listener the rolling carnage takes off to the heavens in a fireball of aural triumph.

Protector 101 begins weaving his own arcane magic on Road Blaster right from the outset. Menacingly conceived synths and machine gun hand-claps immediately make things very obvious that darker powers are controlling the experience. The swell of the synths and devastatingly metronomic percussion allow for zero chance of a happy ending, but in the face of all the bleakness an ember glows through the final chapter which colours the mood with a forceful intent of revenge and denial of adversity. Clenched teeth and a steely gaze end this version of Road Blaster most succinctly.

The final episode of the Road Blast series finds 80s Stallone getting his disco back into action with a bright italo revision which is made even more sparkling from the previous chapter. The samples are enhanced with classic Stallone samples and complemented by a mirroring melody that dances up and down the bassline like a shadow boxing android. This remix is probably the most removed from the original but the original intention from Night Crawler is still felt throughout. It's the perfect finish to a fantastic EP.

The Road Blaster EP is presented on Night Crawler's Bandcamp here and is a FREE release. This is a must have EP for any fan of any denomination of 80s inspired synth, with the amazingly diverse amount of soundscapes contained within this release you're sure to find a Road Blaster that's right for you.

Synthetix Weekend Update

Tomorrow, Monday the 4th of February 2013, marks the one year anniversary for Synthetix. Tomorrow there will be some changes to your favourite internet channel for 80s inspired synth music which I hope will be exciting and enhancing to your Synthetix experience. For now though, it's time for another massive Weekend Update. So let's get rockin!




First up is a hot new track from Vector Hold. This high energy piece of action is positively bursting at the seams with quick melodies, flashing nuances and percussive drama. Once again Vector Hold strikes a beautiful balance between 80s inspired synth and 80s video game music. Currently available for FREE download also.




Miami Nights 1984 spun his synth magic on Sally Shapiro's "Starman" featuring Electric Youth and the result is a bitchen experience that ticks all the boxes for a totally kick arse 80s synth pop classic. MN1984's remixes are always in the upper echelon in the scene and this reinforces his stature for quality remixes in every respect.




80s Stallone is back for the attack with a demo cut of his new experience: True Romance. This forgoes much of the italo sounds of recent 80s Stallone and provides a slightly darker OutRun-feeling track. I love the lead melodies that colour the soundscape brightly while the shadows threaten to ovewhelm.




A discovery courtesy of Neros77 this week was a new producer on the scene called Hamblok. His track Desert Rose is a serenely arranged cascade of beautiful melodies and expansive details. I can feel the heat of the sun and the breath of the wind in every second. Hopefully we will be experiencing more Hamblok music in the future on Synthetix.




Adding some moroseness to the serenity is AKAHands Down's new track Strain. As this pieces moves along it wends and grooves through a very ethereal space, the energies feel dark, but not to the point blackness. There's a hope in the melody that is uplifting and very engaging.




The enigmatic Mitch Murder unleashed another gem from his imagination this week called Interceptor. With definite leanings to the 80s neo-tokyo stylings this is one of the more sparse Mitch Murder experiences I've heard. The layering is kept to a minimum and the sounds are allowed to evolve in an uncomplicated manner that is very refreshing.




Like Mowrey has just begun his dark italo styled musical journey only recently and has shared a few of experiences on his soundcloud, which I've found very entertaining. His latest track, Emerald Hill his a shadowy space disco monolith with beautiful ambience and wonderful instrumentation. Many thanks to Denovomutans for enlightening me to this producer.




I always look forward to hearing new Sternrekorder music. Since this producer has returned to the scene late last year his new sounds have become even more eclectic and inventive. His latest work KRazy KR-55 sounds like a classic late 70s experimental synth work with a heavy injection of Sternrekorder magic.




Keeping to the avant garde end of the synth spectrum is the wonderfully titled Coconut Hologram from Aminova. Once again this producer adds new light and colours to the 80s synth experience and expands the soundscape into previously unknown dimensions. Total Aminova magic.




A pillar of the 80s inspired synth community, Eduardo Del Pozo, shared a magnificent new discovery this week in the form of Highway Superstar. This new producer has firmly stamped his name on the ninja-synth genre with his new track Whistling Shurikens. Epic, dramatic and sharpened like Sho Kosugi's very own ninjato.




Keeping the action frenetic and the drama intense is a sterling new demo from Kid Machine called Black Futura. The synthscape is rife with danger as flashing lights and electricity charge the atmosphere in a situation where getting out alive is your only hope. Even as an unmastered demo this a scintillating experience.




Last but certainly not least we have an incredible new experience from Jaypeau in his epic track Thrasher. This supercharged composition of high energy synths and ripping guitars is thoroughly amazing. The sounds and arrangements are 100% authentic while the production is, simply put, flawless in delivery. I dearly hope this becomes available to download or purchase soon.


That does us for another kick arse week in the world of 80s inspired synth music. Remember to tune in tomorrow for a one year anniversary spectacular on Synthetix that I hope will rock you even harder. Till then stay 80s and keep on rockin!

Synthetix Weekend Update

It's Weekend Update time again on Synthetix! Lots of rockin new music is ready to take your weekend to the next level so brace yourself and prepare for take off!

80s synthaficionado Garth Knight's new track 88 MPH is another sterling piece from this industrious producer. Garth's been dabbling in some more modern style of late, so I'll be very interested to see where 2013's musical journey takes him, but I have a feeling that his heart will always be in the 80s.




A producer new to me that I'd like to welcome into the Synthetix family is Pumping Body from Poland. This artist has lots tracks of different 80s denominations on his soundcloud and it looks like he's finding his true calling in these classic sounds. His latest release a marvellous experience in beautifully executed Synth Romance. Pumping Body is definitely a bright star ready to explode in the 80s synth scene.




Keeping in the Eastern European sphere the new track from Russia's Bluezz Vylez is remix of London Goodbye by Car-Man. This is a totally rockin remix that reminds me so much of mid 80s dark synth pop. The sounds are full of drama and the vocal track is stunning in it's delivery.




A new work-in-progress from the ever inspiring Aminova surfaced this week. Nightwatch is beautifully crafted piece of soundtrack synth work that even in it's current unfinished form is full of wonder. Truly entrancing music.




Time for some kick arse italo synth and Super Magic Records has really nailed the genre in their new release Secret Energy. So many classic sounds and progresssions make this experience feel 100% authentic, the orchestral stabs add an extra layer of gold to proceedings.




Another new producer who's walking the path of musical enlightenment is Nightdrive. This new producer is still finding his own sound but his new track, Far Away, is definitely taking him in an exciting direction. The atmosphere of this soundtrack synth styled track is very engaging and I'll be looking forward to hearing more from him in the future.




Plaisance fast became one of my favourite new producers towards the end of 2012. This French artisan of 80s synth dreams has created lots of magical experiences thus far and his new two track release, So Fresh, shows even more development in his sound. Totally k-rad in every respect.




80s Stallone keeps on rockin his senstational 80s sounds in his track Reflections. This is apparently an older demo that is still unfinished, but I think it's a wonderfully emotive track has a superb air of ethereal magic and full of quality 80s Stallone hallmarks.




From the new compilation by Glacis Records is a kick arse new track from Tiam Wills. This another one of those tracks that combines just the right amounts of classic and modern elements to create something special, especially with the samples used. The Friendly compilation from Glacis Records also has Lueur Verte's classic Beaute Glaciale as well as a new track from Awkoder amongst the many varied electronic music styles included. This compilation is available on Glacis' soundcloud here for FREE.




Hot on the heels of their recent EP reviewed earlier this week on Synthetix we have another magnificent new experience from Stellar Dreams. The Crusader has a perfect melody and the track progresses and evolves in spectacular fashion. I'm not 100% convinced the guitar sound is the best match for the track, but the other parts are absolutely exceptional.




To finish off this week's Weekend Update is a new audio visual experience from Synthetix favourite LA Dreams.  The music video experience of First To The Finish is a spectacular tour de force of thrilling cycling action and action packed synth work in LA Dreams' resplendent style.


First to the Finish line from Nivek on Vimeo.


That does us for another massive Weekend Update on Synthetix, I'll be back next week with more k-rad rockin action from all the hottest acts in the 80s inspired synth scene.

'Til then, stay 80s and keep on rockin!

Synthetix Weekend Update

It's Weekend Update Time on Synthetix! This will be the second last traditional Weekend Update for 2012 but the Weekend Update that would normally be posted the week after next will be replaced with the Synthetix Best Of 2012. This will be the last post on here for 2012 and will be my personal Top Tens in all the 80s inspired synth genres. 2012 continues to be the best year thus far for the 80s revival in synth music, so without any further delay lets get rockin Weekend Update style!


We've had some excellent homages over the last month or so to classic 80s cartoons and 1985 continues the love with his fantasy creation inspired by Silverhawks. Super catchy with lots of great samples this is absolutely tons of fun.




80s Stallone has continued his monstrously high work rate through 2012 and released yet another killer piece of atmospheric synth pop. Expanding upon the vocal work in his recent full length album, Hotline, Ducati is sublime in it's mood and delivery. The minimalistic soundscape is beautifully engineered for maximum emotion.




A new experience in the magic of Pilotpriest came out this week under the dangerous title Switchblade. The style of this artist continues to evolve, Switchblade provides a more haunting, but less ambient adventure that takes his sounds into exciting new directions.




Smoothing the surface to a glassy chrome reflection is Mitch Murder's new track Nocturne. Taking a much more languid and relaxed energy Nocturne is beautiful to behold. This has a vast spatial quality and is hypnoticly arranged. This style is a side to Mitch Murder I most definitely enjoy immensely.




Kenji Run! continues to be one of my favourite new producers of 2012. His sounds always seem to try and push new directions and expand his horizons. Submarine does this beautifully with a supremely catchy melody combined with an even catchier vocal refrain. Totally killer work throughout.




Box Of Wolves are back with their great mix of modern and classic sounds in the song No Kisses. The staccato arrangement throughout this piece is full of swirling synth energy, creating an atmosphere all it's own. No Kisses is a massively engaging track that grabs you and never lets go.




A great new piece of high energy action soundtrack synth was unleashed by Python Blue this week that totally rocks. 'What Is Love?' is full of pounding beats, mesmerizing synths and drama that balances on the blade of a knife. Superbly arranged for maximum tension and extended car chase scenes.




Someone doing thrilling new experiences in the world of 80s inspired synth is Chaconne.  His track from a few months back (Romance and Revolution) is absolutely stunning and his new work Fighting is Finished is another digital feather in his neon cap. Moody and epic combining many classic sounds and showing Chaconne is definitely an artist Synthetix will be paying very close attention to in the future. 




I hope you've enjoyed this week's Weekend Update on Synthetix and I look forward to sharing more experiences from the 80s synth zone next week. Till then, stay 80s and keep on rockin!

Synthetix Weekend Update

As we move closer towards the end of the 2012 I'm beginning to try to forumulate my Top 10 of 2012. There has been a lot of truly beautiful music this year to draw from, but with each progressive week the list keeps getting longer. As evidenced in this week's Weekend Update: the music just doesn't stop rockin!

First up is the always inspiring 80s Stallone. His new single Page Me is a killer italo adventure, full of hi energy percussion and bounding synths. Yet another track where the hi-hats absolutely make the experience.




Spacious Sweep is back with a stunning new track Pankala. This is a most certainly spacious piece with much lightness and brightness. The slowly evolving melodies are a beautiful to behold, moving with a freeform airiness that is full of wonder.




The highlight from LA Dreams this week comes in the form of Masters Of Skylight. Taking his sounds in a slightly new direction that feels a tad more soundtrack oriented than his hallmark synth romance style. The guitars are a perfect accompaniment to the sweet synths, a trend I hope he continues with.




Kenji Run! blasted back onto the scene this week with no less than three new tracks, my favourite of which is a demo of I Regret. This giallo disco themed affair is dark and brooding but full of synth energy with a driving drum track that gives the atmosphere an air of panic. A fortuitous return for Kenji Run! indeed.




Sgreyes is becoming a force to be reckoned with, I believe this was originally planned to be a side project from Quasars, but is now becoming very prolific and establishing his own sound. The promo cut of Miami Heat is smoother than silk and hotter than Mercury, a steaming erotisynth slice of forbidden heaven.




A new artist discovered through the Synthetix community this week was Cosmic Sand. His track Wreckage of 2085 of his EP Route 375 is a delectable portion of synthesized 80s love. The EP is definitely worth spending some time with. A producer I'll be definitely keeping tabs on.



A new impending release from the Electronic Rumors stable has been another gem this week. Let Em Riot's The Revenant from this SlashWave EP is full of 80s love with some modern elements included for good measure. There's a lovely air of despondance in this song, which is laced throughout the EP that I find quite endearing.




Garth Knight continues his Transformer's inspired work with his War For Cybertron track. This is another gem, full of massive melodies and precision arrangments. One can't help be feel a bit of the classic Rocky IV soundtrack through this piece, which is always something I enjoy greatly.




Rain Sword staged a huge return to the scene this week with two killer tracks in Sarah's Quest and Cardboard Kings. I do love Sarah's Quest but the electro rock synth gold of Cardboard Kings pipped it at the post to make the Weekend Update. Sublime energy and a beautiful simplicity to this track make it thoroughly rockin.




The final musical adventure in this week's Weekend Update is a totally killer new song from Hot Hot Hawk and featuring the dulcet tones of none other than the teenage dreamboat himself: Patrick Baker. I can't help but think of Tesla Boy when I hear this, and that's one of the biggest compliments I can give any maker of 80s inspired synth music. Truly k-rad to the max.




I hope this week's Weekend Update added some neon colour and uplifting atmosphere to your weekend and I look forward to sharing more moving experiences with over the next week.
Till then stay 80s and keep on rockin!