Synthetix Weekend Update

Another week full of rockin action rolls around and it's time for another big Weekend Update on Synthetix.FM.

The more astute readers of the site may notice a new addition to the left hand side bar on the page. This new addition is a PayPal Donate button I've added to the site. Over the last couple of years numerous people have said they'd like to support Synthetix.FM more and would like to help out with the costs. There are very few costs associated with Synthetix.FM besides my own time but I wanted to give people the opportunity to help out with the hosting/domain costs if they'd like to. I'm not begging for money, nor does the future of the site depend on donations, I just thought it'd be an option for those of you out there who'd like to take your support of this site further.

Next week marks Valentines Day's on Friday the 14th and Synthetix.FM is getting into the spirit of this most emotional and passionate holiday with special celebration. It's all being kept under wraps in a heart shaped box, tied up with big satin ribbons right now but come Thursday next week there'll be something special on here to ensure no one misses out on feeling the love this Valentine's Day.

On to this week's Weekend Update on Synthetix.FM!

Let's open up with the hot new EP from Arc Neon: Technicolor Workout. This much anticipated releases from one of my favourite UK purveyors of quality 80s sounds has arrived and is surprising, refreshing and most importantly, rockin to the max! The six tracks (including an intro piece and instrumental version of 'Heat Of The Night') takes much of what we've grown to know and love about the Arc Neon sound and expands it out into all new dimensions.

Technicolor Workout opens with 'Heat Of The Night' which to me feels like an evolutionary next step and also homage to Arc Neon's classic 'Night Heat' track. The vocals from Dana Jean Phoenix are performed with a sultry longing that compliments the mood of the track perfectly and the inclusions of guitar and sax through the different stages really add a huge amount of presence to the Arc Neon sound. Definitely one of the group's most developed and complete experiences.

'Aerobicide' takes a different approach with rocks more guitars and some totally killer 'plinky plonky' synth melodies to take your workout into dangerous levels of exertion. This track is a great exploration of the melodies while make sure the energies are frenetic and vital. Conversely, the next track, titled 'Forbidden Dance' winds things back to a slower pace that allows the guitars to soar instead of shred and the more soundtrack oriented Arc Neon elements to come into focus. Once again, the sax in the final act of this composition elevates it beautifully.

The title track is another collaborative work, this time with Abbey Bretts performing the vocals. Melodically this adds an Italo Disco flavour to Arc Neon's sound and the repeated vocal refrain adds just enough modernity to the atmosphere. The songwriting of Arc Neon has most definitely been refined and the structures keep the hooks rockin and the moods intimate. The final piece of the EP is an inclusion of 'Heat Of The Night' as an instrumental, I personally prefer the vocal version, but this affords the listener to fully realise the the lustrous synthscapes.

Technicolor Workout displays a marked growth in all facets of the Arc Neon experience and Synthetix.FM very highly recommends this release. You can pick up a copy via their Bandcamp page here.


Let's keep the rockin rollin with great new piece from ForeignBlade. Although made last year, he's just released this gem while still working on a new EP. 'Extraordinary Circumstances' is a marvellously structured soundtrack styled affair that enthrals from beginning to end. This is currently available for FREE download too.




New Spacious Sweep next with his latest 'Backtrack'. The mood of this track is laid back and mellow yet the melodic layers add beautiful Italo flavoured details. Haunting elements through the midsection complete the experience. This is intended to be included on his upcoming new EP.




Pyramid Aeon is a new rocker on the 80s inspired synth scene and his latest track really grabbed my attention. 'Stay' contains a wonderfully vivid vitality that drives the lead melody and is backed by dreamy haze delightful 80s nuance. Though he's still finding his sound, Pyramid Aeon is definitely a producer to watch for, be sure you grab a copy of 'Stay' while it's up for FREE download. Many thanks to John Littlefield for enlightening me to this producer's existence.




Cut from a similar cloth to some of my favourite work by Starcadian is the rockin new retro styled funk jam from Atrey: 'Guilty Pleasure'. The horns and vocals create a spectacular 80s homage to the modern chopped up melodies while the mid point breakdown provides some stellar expositions between passages. You can pick up a copy of 'Guilty Pleasure' via Atrey's Bandcamp page here, I hope that you do and rock this track loud and often!




Germany's Blokkmonsta continues to explore his 80s passions, this time featuring Italy's favourite synthsation Vincenzo Salvia. 'Human Destiny' is yet another wonderfully realised soundtrack piece that summons all kinds of wonderful visions and possibilities. Also of note, on Blokkmonsta's soundcloud bio it mentions he has the record for being Germany's Rapper & Producer with the highest count of banned CD's nationwide. After witnessing such beauty and sensitivity in his recent pieces I can't wait to see what he comes up with when he really lets fly!




Manolis continues to be one of my favourite new producers in the 80s inspired synth scene and his melodies and productions always have an air of perfect 80s understanding. His 'Escape Vacations' piece ventures into a bit of Library territory with its catchy hooks and explosive percussion. He also released another great track this week in 'My Future Girlfriend' which is a sumptuously smooth track that builds to an absolutely stunning melodic adventure. Both are available for FREE download so please give this producer some love and appreciation.




Speaking of sumptuous synth, 'The Seven Sunset Ride' by Olivier P.G. via The Music Is Vast is an incredibly authentic soundtrack love theme that does everything absolutely right. The languid pace, the heartfelt melodies, the synths, the guitars, the sax, it's all here and it's all 100% magical. Stunning work. Thanks to Sunglasses Kid for letting me know of this totally rockin producer.




Mitch Murder's really ramping up the releases of late and his new track shared this week is one of his most exciting in recent times in my opinion. 'The Final Stretch' is built on a selection of melodies that are both triumphant and catchy as hell. Mitch Murder works magical elements into his trademark styles as more of a secondary concern this time around so that melodic power always retains it's focus. Solid gold rockin and rich in all my favourite aspects that make this artist so very, very rad.




Our next piece is one I review with a heavy heart, but still with hope for the future. The Azure Crime project is unfortunately over before it really began. Citing major health issues this producer has taken his leave of music production after releasing a handful of tracks that are truly kick arse. For now though, we have to wish Azure Crime all the best and a speedy recovery so he can keep on rockin. His farewell release, The End Of Crime is four previously unreleased tracks that span many 80s inspirations and are full of emotional investment and much musical prowess.

Opening up with 'Particles' we're greeted by an expanding vista of city lights and slow burning melodies introduced like clouded phantoms into the mix. The spectral melodies rise and fall in the night sky and each new chapter carries them higher and further. 'Polvo De Angel' then turn the scene into more passionate arrangements, energised with pounding drums and dramatic chords. Azure Crime verges on OutRun in this piece with it's twists and turns, but he retains an intimacy through the synthscape that prevents the high speed chase from going off the rails. By the time the guitars crunch into view the path ahead becomes a minefield of dangerous curves and high risk maneuvers.

The redlining melodies are exchanged for a romantic interlude in the home room affair 'Highschool Love'. Aurally delicate feelings create much electricity and lead to heart racing moments of sax filled delirium. Guitars swoon and fall under the romantic spell of the piano melodies, completing the warm, impassioned embrace. Harpsichords of eternal damnation usher the fourth chapter of the EP as blackened skies burst and a rain that doesn't cleanse begins to fall. 'Nightmare' is onyx black dark synth, with a threatening bassline and chilling melodies. Choked passages from which there is no escape ensure your nightmare will last long after the dawn.

It's a testament to Azure Crime's talent that all four tracks are hugely different yet all display a great understanding of what makes these genres rock. I do hope we get to hear more from Azure Crime at some stage, but for now we must bid adieu to Azure Crime. Be sure to pick up these totally rockin tracks on his Bandcamp page here and though it's a name-your-own-price point please dig deep to show your appreciation. Our hearts go with you, Azure Crime, you'll never be alone. Keep on rockin, brother!



Robot Outro has been sharing his take on 80s sounds for the last year and his new track, 'The Lost Tape' is a marvellous homage to early 80s euro synth pop. The mechanically discordant intro leads into a pulsing refrain that harkens back to the glory days when these musical vistas were still brand new. I keep expecting to hear a terse female vocal doing some spoken word in German over the top of this track. Great work from Robot Outro!





Palm Highway Chase has been one of my favourite producers in 80s styled synth music since I first discovered it and it gives me great excitement to see a full new album from this visionary producer is due out very soon on Rosso Corsa Records! The teaser for this record is packed with incredible diverse sounds and imaginative compositions, I can't wait for the full experience. And that won't be long with the release date being the 10th of February, which is tomorrow!




The smooth and ambient soundtrack synth music has been really prolific this week, and the latest track from Bluezz Vylez continues the theme. 'Secret Feeling' is ethereally composed with glacially beautiful progressions that are accented by serenely implemented sax magic. This track is currently available for FREE download too. For more Bluezz Vylez rockin check out his hot Flash Over Craters EP that was released last year while Synthetix.FM was on vacation. It's full of atmospheric synth jams that take the Bluezz Vylez sounds into more experimental directions.




Our final piece to start getting you in the mood for Valentine's Day is a great video from Parlous for his track 'Softcore'. Featuring some salaciously sexy synth work and a huge amount of equally arousing video clips this is sure to get your pulse racing. A warning/recommendation: theres lots of nudity!


Softcore from Parlous on Vimeo.


That does us for another Weekend Update on Synthetix.FM, I'll be back during the week with more hot tunes from the 80s inspired synth scene. 'Til then, stay 80s and keep on rockin.

Synthetix Weekend Update

Halloween Epilogue

It should be no surprise to anyone that I didn't get to cover all the music I wanted to over the Halloween period. To make some slight amends to this I wanted to quickly mention a few releases you'd do well to pick up in the post-Halloween aftermath. It's getting hard to prioritise releases I want to review on Synthetix.FM at certain times, like now, when there's a huge influx. I figure if I can't write in depth about them then the least I can do is link to them from here for your own further investigations.

A release I wanted to cover but never got the chance is the great new concept record from Protector 101. His soundtrack to Black Friday 2: Blood Money (The Uncut Version) is marvellous example of this producer's creativity that gets set ablaze by small sparks and then roar into a spectacular inferno. Beautifully realised soundtrack synth that will capture your imagination.

Taking a trip into darkly experimental areas we find Make Up And Vanity Set's new EP Manifold. The synthscape is dark and twisted and challenging to fully take in in some places but the MAVS synth soul seems to always be there to take the music back into less threatening passages.  Many contrasting emotions are explored and detailed and the bleakness of the opening pieces is given hopeful differentiation towards the EP's end chapters.

More rockin soundtrack oriented synth from Python Blue came out recently. His Cyborg album displays much understanding of descriptive passages and how to detail superbly implemented narrative sequences once again. Drama and anger can reach incredible highs while his introspective pieces add even more weight to the experience. The emotional investment in each track is clearly audible, making for an inspiring journey.

Another release that I couldn't possibly live with myself for not sharing is the new Droid Bishop EP: The Irrelevance Of Space & Time. This five track affair is rocking to the max with a noticeable exploration of his melodies that pumps even more galactic energies into his pieces. The EP displays an evolution in the Droid Bishop sound and a step up in production too. It's a fantastic experience in quality 80s inspired synth sounds with that futuristic space-themed edge that Droid Bishop does so very well.

I also wanted to make sure no one misses out on Vector Hold's full length album that he's released on Bandcamp called Classics. This eighteen track behemoth is a compilation of all of his recent singles, many of which I've been covering on Synthetix.FM throughout the year, but in this huge format it becomes a force of renewed vigour and power. It's a diverse album that covers a tonne of genres, but Vector Hold rocks them all and the album serves as a wonderful document of Vector Hold's musical journeys in 2013.

Right on,  now let's get into the the nitty gritty of this week's Weekend Update on Synthetix.FM!


Bobby Outro's new track 'Smash Groove' is exactly what you'd expect of a track titled Smash Groove. The hook in this piece is totally kick arse and the excitement he extracts from it is purely brilliant. The percussion is full of classic presence while every synth elements is implemented for maximum pleasure.

Injecting dangerously high doses of funk into your weekend is Les Chic Voltage with his new track 'Club Malibu'. Theres a definite avant-gard angle to the synthscape but the music is solidly set in 80s moods. The progression of the track is jazzy and experimental in nature with a whole lot of funk rockin being the priority.




Cobra Copter keeps on matching his high work rate with high quality as this last week has again seen two tracks surface; both delivering rad 80s synth sounds. 'Eternia Knights' is a slow burning epic that builds with a marching reverence that introduces beautifully accented guitars through the adventure. Conversely on 'Murphy, It's You' we're treated to high energy electro breakin' boombox ammunition of a super high calibre.




Incorporating his recent Funk You EP Alpha Boy's just unleashed a new LP entitled For You. The familiar Alpha Boy sounds are taken into some interesting new contexts on For You as his playful Italo inspired melodies are allowed to take broader strides and intimate more varied narratives. Tracks like 'Superstar 911' and 'Flamingo' have instantly become some of my favourite Alpha Boy jams, be sure to check out the full release for the full experience of Alpha Boy's latest creation.



Something new from Riddlis now that I found very enlightening to listen to. 'Stories' is a very engaging track as it's melodies and arrangements are very interestingly put together. The combination of modern and vintage sounds are entrancing, with dancing melodies that layers like soft veils of electric light. It's a wonderfully positive vibe from beginning to end.




New from Bluezz Vylez is a hot rockin track called 'Craters And Lovers'. This piece marks a triumphant return for this producer after an absence of nearly four months and what a triumphant return it is. The quirky nature of this producer's music is evident once again as melodies are driven in exciting directions and the action is exciting through each of the track's passages.




Babylon 86 turned the rock levels up to maximum on his new track 'The Vice'. The Jan Hammer/Miami Vice inspiration is prevalent throughout as the action is densely packed in with guitars and synths trading blows in glorious vivid colours. This is a killer track, and is currently available for FREE download through the link in the player.




Nickee B has been one of my favourite proponents of quality synth funk for more than a year now, and whenever a new experience of his surfaces it's always a red letter day. In 'Can't Get Enough Of Your Love' the Nickee B synth funk machine is running hot classic 80s sounds arranged with an ear for more  modern styles but the story in this piece transcends all space and time, with a stunning final chapter that is completely spellbinding.




JEJE80 HomeProduction (or Spacious Sweep, to his close friends and admirers) just release a great new track called 'Defence Of The Ancients'. The drama is very apparent in the lead melodies and horrific samples that lace the atmosphere, while a driving bassline gives the experience a vital impetus.




In one of the dream team ups of 2013 we find Patrick Baker and Televisor joining neon forces to create a romping synth pop gem in 'Can't Get Enough'. The pure pop brilliance of both of these artists are apparent from the outset and the rockin just doesn't stop. 80s soul and a modern edge give this a magical aura that is unmistakably Televisor, add in Mr Baker's golden tones for bubblegum pop refined and re-engineered for a new age.




NightStop's been busy this week with two great tracks shared. It was a bit hard to choose between the two, but 'Aerobics' offers a majestic Winwood/Rain Sword-esque lead melody I simply couldn't resist. The music is light and energetic and full of 80s love, while his other piece 'Drive-By Stalking' takes his sounds into much darker moods with a penchant for nocturnal violence. Both tracks rock hard in wonderfully different ways.




A new rocker for Synthetix.FM! I'm very pleased to introduce KFDDA to everyone and his gorgeous new piece of melting synth romance 'Flammamor'. The intimate melodies are beautifully crafted with intimacy and longing, the entire piece is one protracted, warm embrace the emits golden allure throughout.




More arse kicking synth from Python Blue! He's just released 'Eclipse' as a FREE download track and it's a hot rockin affair full of pounding drums, electric synths and high tension. Python Blue's gift for arrangements is wonderfully realised in this piece as each element is introduced and evolved with  pin-point precision. Refined to perfection and performed for pure exhilaration.




Timecop1983 is back with new emotional piece entitled 'Childhood Memories'. The synthscape is mellow and sparse with each element phased in and out time and space, adding a hugely nostalgic flavour to the experience. It's haunting and uplifting at the same time and quickly becomes very easy to get lost in. Be sure to check Timecop1983's 'Space Jam' track which he also shared this week, which is also a FREE download.




Our final piece for this week's Weekend Update is a rockin track from another new artist on the scene: Le Roix. Fusing dramatic and powerful percussion with smoothly angelic melodies, 'Goodbye' is a wondrous adventure in synth romance. Many thanks to Sam Haggblad for enlightening me to Le Roix!





One final note before I finish of this Weekend Update, I've received a few emails regarding some music tracks being out of wack with my writing, or pointing to an entirely different song. If you see this occur, please let me know through the contact form with the details of what needs fixing and I'll get onto it. I need to know what needs fixing exactly though. I'm not sure if it's a browser issue or just my ineptitude, so please bear with me and let me know if somethings amiss. I do realise, when looking back through posts, that some tracks are no longer on soundcloud, I can't do much about that and I won't be going back and adjusting them all however, if a producer wishes to remove a track that is their prerogative.

That does us for another Weekend Update on Synthetix.FM, I'll be back during the week with more of the hottest action from the 80s inspired scene. 'Til then, stay 80s and keep on rockin.

Synthetix Weekend Update

It's been a week of heavy, incessant deluges of rain once again with the month of April continuing on with a heavy downpour of rockin new music from the 80s inspired synth scene. On the horizon next week is a megaton lightning strike that is sure to rock you to your foundations, but for now the rumble of thunder works in tandem with the luscious synth sounds of this week's Weekend Update on Synthetix.FM

I really need to post this first, as it's going to make a lot of people, as it has myself, very happy. MPM's return to the scene has been heralded with a sampler he shared on his YouTube yesterday and I have word directly from the man himself that he's trying to get something out this year. I'd honestly given up on ever getting any new MPM music, but these words that he's 'trying' plus the incredibly rockin new preview have rekindled some of my faith in MPM's come back. Time will tell, but for now this preview and whisper of a promise will have to suffice.





Rockin back into the brutality of Gost's brand of synth action darkness is his latest track: Cursed. This producers mix of new and old styles is once again executed beautifully with highly violent sounds combined with delightfully delicate melodies.




Kid Machine shared a very cool new demo this week for Hyperion. Kid Machine's moody side is presented here with a dramatic flair that add real substance to the experience. I'm unsure as to whether this is to be used in a separate project or an EP/LP release but either way it's full of Kid Machine's trademark quality.




Cougar Synth keeps on rockin with his latest track that's also FREE to download currently. Conqueror has a slightly ninja synth mood about it but elements of synth romance add vast amounts of emotional investment. The story is rich with beautifully orchestrated arrangements and perfectly vintage sounds.




On a similar dimensional plane is James Baker's new composition: Inside The Game. This classically styled work is full of authentic early 80s synth sounds and melodies and has that beautiful naiveté in it's personality that always feels so honest and engaging. This piece is also currently available for FREE download.




Bluezz Vylez is back with his new adventure in Moonlight Camp. This producer's individualised soundscapes are something I always find absorbing and this latest work does so yet again. Synths
sounds are taken out of their comfort zones and the arrangements are energising in their delivery.




The Evanton sound continues to evolve with this duo's new track Disco Heat In Meatpacking District. The powerhouse basslines are set to maximum but this piece displays a new tenderness in the melodies that really adds a new dimension to the soundscape. This is taken from their upcoming release Electric City which will be sure to provide vast amounts of Evanton italo electro gold.




Python Blue shared an outtake from his submission to the next New Retro Wave compilation release and has made it available for FREE download. This is track is a superb hybrid of this producer's soundtrack and synth wave styled work making for an atmospheric and engaging adventure into the future.




Babylon 86 is a new rocker on the scene and is kick some classic 80s sounds with his track Technoir. The energy in this piece is fierce with driving percussion and high speed melodies. He's released five other tracks on his soundcloud which encourage you to partake in also and all are currently available for FREE download.




The latest release from Farfletched is totally rockin my world. The melodies are just so catchy and thrilling but it's the way the experience is structured that provides the most enjoyment. The many breakdowns and builds accentuate each element magnificently.




LA Dreams published two tracks this week but Young Scavengers became my pick for the Weekend Update. This guitar driven rocker is full of LA Dreams synth magic delivered with a deep emotive refrain that is thoroughly exciting. Be sure to check out his other release this week, Wild Tiger, on his soundcloud too.




Turning the drama up past the point of safety comes Dr PECCO with his new foray into the forests of fear: Green Inferno. The music is almost video game like in personality, but it contains a depth to the synth sounds that add a very atmospheric layer. The rhythm section is unrelenting throughout but those soaring synth melodies provide the perfect contrast to the soundscape.




Plaisance has teamed up with Shio-Z for a vocal rework of his track Deep Blue. The end result is a hugely immersive experience that vastly magnifies the presence of the original. Shio-Z's vocals performance is right on point for the classic early 80s new romantic style and Plaisance's soundtrack feels like it was made for the vocal. I hope this is only the first of many projects between these two talented producers.




RF.Extreme shared his exciting new track LED Lead Foot this week in it's latest evolutionary form. Still a work in progress this promises to deliver thrills and chills out the yin yang with it's thunderous bass line and distilled melodies. Really looking forward to where this piece is going.




Glass Mirrors keep on rockin their own brand of 80s influenced synth pop with their new song Wanting You. The combination of new and old sounds work together in harmony while the vocal track adds a great deal of impetus to the emotional thrills and chills. I hope these guys keep the 80s strong in their music as they have an excellent combination of all the right skills to produce totally rockin synth pop.




Time for some epic space synth disco with Sirius B from Like Mowrey. This artist keeps honing his craft with every new release and Sirius B feels like a fully realised idea that's been worked to perfection. Full of emotive melodies and a vast spatial quality this track is pure energy.




A bit of a Synthetix.FM Public Service Announcement now. An artist whom I've grown rather fond of in the form of Jaypeau has consolidated his partnership with Toe Knee and launched their project as Dance With The Dead. This is now their official monicker, so please follow them on their new Facebook page here. With that done, let's get rockin with their totally rad new track Fracture. These guys have a knack for extracting equal amounts of terror and atmosphere in their music but always manage to keep super-hooky melodies as the force that drives the experience. Dance With The Dead are planning a full LP release in July and based on all their previous tracks I'm greatly looking forward to enjoying their music in an album format.





That wraps things up for another Weekend Update on Synthetix.FM, I'll be back early next week with a very special release that I seem to have been waiting forever for, but all things come to those who wait, as they say. 'Til 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!

Bluezz Vylez Takes After Nebula

Russia's always been one of the most enlightened regions to the classic 80s synth sounds, every artist I hear from these parts always seems to have an edge to their sound that feels right. Maybe it's a production style or certain local influences but whatever it is it results in some totally rockin 80s inspired synth music.

The latest EP from Bluezz Vylez pushes this point even further. After Nebula contains some of the pureset electro synth rock I've had the pleasure of experiencing. Across the the seven tracks this producer ushers in a new dawn of classicly themed sounds and packages them in one super tight and combustible bundle of explosive synths, machinegun drums and chemically sharpened hooks.


The breakbeat electro synth style is usually only flirted with on occassion by the majority of modern synth producers. It provides a nice departure to the sounds without deviating entirely from a them, it's rare for a modern producer to take the electro synth style deep into a fully fledged release while staying true to it's roots.

From track one this is music is totally poppin' and lockin' with a boombox curbside and a carboard mat down for good measure. The edginess and vitality of the sound is undeniable, basslines thrust and pivot with alarming dexterity and the drums and percussion are peppered throughout with pinpoint precision. The contrasting smooth synth melodies create the final dimension to ensure maximum energy.

Through the opening set pieces, and into the albums midsection, theres an unrelenting fervour to each track. There is no refuge from the infectious melodies and blasting rhythms. Bluezz Vylez doesn't mess about with a lot of stage setting introductions or immersive set pieces to create a mood, each experience dives straight onto the concrete, making every second count and giving each track a fierceness which is delivered like a flurry of bodyshots in lighning fast succession.

On rare moments, such a Ocean Console there is a slowing down in the barrages of beats but the fury is replaced with the synths, just for a change in his weapon of choice. The track Run In A Rainy Dream lures the listener into a feeling of smooth and glassy security, but as tempers build and the percussion ramps up with the melodies it becomes intense in a new way. The raw emotions of the first half of the EP move into a less brutal but equally intense mode and by the end of this movment the rhythm section begins unleashing it's syncopated swings to the listener's now exposed vulnerabilities.

It's at this point that the battle kicks into high gear for the last two tracks as limbs gyrate into blurs of electro fuelled breakin' bluster. Foresters Never Die and Aldebaran In Your Coffee-Cup finish the encounter in a blaze of glory as the final backspin and pose bring the cheers of victory to a hard fought and well contested fight for street supremacy.

Bluezz Vylez's After Nebula EP is a high energy, in your face, take no prisoners experience in quality electro synth music. The sounds of classic producers like Afrika Bambaataa, Ollie and Jerry and Paul Hardcastle are unmistakable throughout, but this producer brings his own individual style to the sounds making After Nebula totally rockin extravaganza that is throughout a Synthetix Approved Experience.

You can pick this EP on Bluezz Vylez's Bandcamp page here and be sure to follow him on his soundcloud here.

Synthetix Weekend Update

It's been a massive week in the 80s synth scene and we've got a bumper Weekend Update to cover the brightest stars that shined over the past seven days.

Let's open things up with a massive new track from DigitalNativeDance. Rise Up is an anthemic powerhouse of pure 80s synth gold. This artist is maintaining a very high standard with each successive release and Rise Up elevates his sounds even further.




On the more experiemental Dreamwave tip the most bitchenly named Puffernutter released Dream World. A swirling and reverberating ride through new dimensions of synthesized delirium. Puffernutter's really nailing the sounds and moods here, brilliant work.




One of my favourite new artists Kenji Run published a demo of his newest work entitled There's Rain Outside. I adore the pace of this track, it gallops along and creates an ambience of total excitement. Once it's been completed I can see this being one of his strongest songs thus far.




Newcomer Delenda Est has only two tracks up on his soundcloud, but this piece entitled June 3rd is a beautiful example of total 80s synth love. I'm hoping this producer keeps at it as he's definitely got the feel and for what this music is all about.




FlashBoy (formerly Horror Machine) has released a preview of his latest work Summertime. This preview promises a beautiful example of classic 80s/French Touch that he does so very well. I'm imagining this is going to be an epic summer time anthem by the time it's done and could well prove to be FlashBoy's breakout track.




Garth Knight keeps raising the bar higher and higher with each new release and Vigilante Part 1 finds him dabbling in a more soundtrack style atmosphere. He's developing his own style and allowing his pieces to really evolve. A really superb example of creating drama towards the back end too, magical!!




Russia's Bluezz Vylez has been experimenting with a 80s synthwave sounds for a while, but his latest piece entitled Ocean Console really makes for an exceptionally radical experience. I love the timing of this track and the layers of synths compliment eachother perfectly.




Last, but most certainly not least, we have another collaborative composition from Perturbator, this time with Starforce and what these talents have combined to create is absoloutely gorgeous. Retrofuture's is an anthemic soundtrack of dimension defying proportions. This must be listened to numerous times to pick up all the magic weaved throughout it's near six and a half minutes. So delicate in delivery, but powerful in atmosphere and mood. A true work of genius from both producers.




I hope you've enjoyed this week's Weekend Update on Synthetix and I look forward to sharing more discoveries in the world of the 80s inspired synth scene next week.