Synthetix Sundays

Synthetix Sundays is back with another synthtastic show only on Radio Pure Gently!

This week Marko will be chatting the enigma known to many synthwave fans only as Mr Tengu and Marko will also be interviewing D.I.M.H. in which D.I.M.H. has some big news to reveal!

The regular segments with Paul Daly, Synthetix Spotlight and of course Quality Time With Shithouse are all programmed for maximum excitement and an exclusive track from the one and only Who Ha will be premiered!

Marko's also got a hot batch of download codes and giveaways for the following releases:
OGRE - Calico Noir
Mythical Vigilante - The LP
D.I.M.H. - No Hit Singles
Rogue Six - After the Fall

If this wasn't enough love to share Marko has ONE free tape to give away of the superlative Synth Love Affair Vol 1 compilation, free shipping included!!

All this along with all the most rockin tunes in the 80s inspired synth scene is here to rock you like a melonfarmer!!

Tune in to Synthetix Sundays LIVE on Radio Pure Gently here, at 11pm Perth, Australia time. Please click here to find out when this is in your part of the world. As always the fully downloadable show and featured Quality Time With Shithouse tracks will be posted here on Monday.



Quality Time With Shithouse Feature Tracks:

Activation To Danger Mode!

By Kaleb Alfadda

Malachy 'Danger Mode' Robert's newest album, 'Activation' is the first full-length album we've had from Danger Mode since April of last year. The album, described by the man himself as "49 minutes of exhilarating OutRun and Synthwave" deliver exactly that. In a short description, it's the best stuff from the last year in the genre combined into a sweet package bolstering with summer vibes.



The album begins with the self titled stand-out track 'Activation'. Beginning with waves of synth, painting a grand view of 80s title-themed goodness. Ripping right to business tom fills bring us to a hypnotic arpegiatted synth line. A true staple of OutRun music. Staying true to the theme of OutRun music, Danger Mode has perfected this sound and begins to evolve it throughout the rest of the journey.

'Beach Waves' begins with a similar feeling of 'Activation', but if it was soaked in sun, sand and lots of pretty babes. This song is what OutRun is meant to be, simplified yet complex enough to be a staple for anyone and their "driving tunes". Yet at the same time this song plants itself poolside for a feeling of nostalgic fun and partying. No summer jam is complete without a bitchin' solo, if that's the kind of stuff that floats your boat, prepare to sail the neon soaked waves.

Immediately following is 'Electrified', grabbing your attention with a ripping bass groove and some punchin' percussion. Earlier I had mentioned the album evolving over time. This is because the same OutRun and Synthwave under and overtones are apparent throughout. Danger Mode  always brings something new to the table, and as 'Electrified' begins to unravel we (the listener) get a sense of a romanticized melodies that are guaranteed to keep your moving.

Danger Mode has an obvious soft-spot for those 80s heartthrob moments, because we're brought back to those exact moments with 'Sunset Interlude'. In the same sense that 'Beach Waves' give you the warm and energetic vibes of poolside fun, 'Sunset Interlude' give you a real soft and emotional perspective of that. The use of padded chords are fantastic here.

And then 'Elimination' plays.

I've always been under the impression that this kind of music can either be happy, and light, or dark and glooming. Danger Mode mends both of these feelings into one kickass song. This one is a MUST play. Absolutely beautiful uses of panning and noise, creating a dense and unforgettable atmosphere.

Danger Mode is a staple of the OutRun and Synthwave genres, and with masterpieces like this, in an era where over-saturation is something we see everyday, Danger Mode manages to take the very best, most memorable aspects of these genres and melds them into something new, refreshing and inspirational without ditching his roots. This album comes very, very highly recommended from Synthetix.FM and is available for purchase in digital formats on Danger Mode's Bandcamp page here.

The Crime Wave Escalates To Danger Mode

Danger Mode is one of the most unassuming, yet also exciting, purveyors around of synth work that channels the 80s in soul and colour and then gives it a modern, high powered energy to make the excitement level rise even higher. His blend old and new is one of my favourite in the scene and each new episode of Danger Mode refines the experience and magnifies the gravity beautifully.


Crime Wave explodes from six thousand feet into the bright blue sky with the opening salvo 'Summit'. The unrelenting pace of this track is sure to heighten pulse rates as the huge drum fills reverberate and annihilate with great gusto. Danger Mode scripts tracks like action movie set pieces and his OutRun experiences are some of the best around as they completely capture the high speed road chase aesthetic eloquently and with a natural flow that runs on pure gasoline.

The synthscape employed by Danger Mode is stripped of extraneous elements that could possibly distract or reduce the emphasis of the driving forces in his music. The title track itself does this with huge swathes of synths being pushed to the limit and sliced and diced with pin point accuracy. The road becomes a blur and the atmosphere becomes heavy with slick, glossy synth energy.

I've got to say that 'Class Act', track three, is easily my favourite Danger Mode experience thus far in his musical journey. I'm probably never going to hear a collaboration between Mitch Murder and Rainsword and now I don't need to as 'Class Act' takes the Danger Mode sounds into an utterly gorgeous lead melody that is an epiphany of brilliance, giving slight nods to both producers while rockin the Danger Mode action all the way.

Heading back out on the road and straight into oblivion comes 'Burning Rubber'. Danger Mode's arrangements are honed to OutRun perfection as each passage works like a new section of track; engineered for fast straight aways, towering rises, life threatening curves and glorious victory at its end. This music makes you hold your breath, waiting for a chance to exhale, but are unable to for the monstrous power the synths of Danger Mode command.

Variations on the high energy styles surface in tracks like the hypnotic 'Hyper Disco' as the pace relents just enough to work a groovier aesthetic that is fuelled by cascades of dancefloor lights instead of high octane fuels. The modern arrangements emphasise the lead melody with infectiously engrossing journeys to Danger Mode's disco dimensions.

Moods become darker as the jungles become a terrifying playground of hunter and prey in 'Big Cats'. Percussion becomes incredibly colossal as the roars of the big cats themselves introduce marauding synth leads that stalk with natural grace and beauty. The atmosphere is heavy with dread and impending catastrophe, the natural order is unforgiving and hungry; and tonight it's thoroughly insatiable.

Danger Mode's arrangements reach new heights in the architecturally sound beauty of 'Hard Wired'. Mechanically alien melodies blend into wonderfully emotive passages with rising progressions of stellar proportions. The uplifting nature of the lead melody combined with it's inhuman companion is implemented effortlessly.

The final track on Crime Wave is a bonus demo cut of 'Charged'. This piece, although apparently incomplete at this stage, spins a glorious web of synth melodies that are explored and shaped into new forms that then rock back into their glorious neon colours. Perhaps Danger Mode intends to take 'Charged' into even more exciting new directions? That's something we'll just have to wait for.

Danger Mode presents the Crime Wave EP on his Bandcamp page here and Synthetix.FM very highly recommends this release. The power and energy Danger Mode combines with scintillating synth leads and arrangements geared for electrifying excitement make for four wheeled weapon of a thrill ride you'll not soon forget.

Synthetix Weekend Update

It's the first Weekend Update for March on Synthetix.FM! Two months of the year are already gone and we've already seen a huge amount of quality music come out from the 80s inspired synth scene. This week we've got hot rockin tracks from both new and established producers so strap yourself in and get ready for take off! Time to get airborne!

AIRBORNE This Week

Apollo Zapp - Laser Tits - Apollo Zapp's new EP is rockin up some sexxxy Italo vibes courtesy of Future City Records. Great vibes on this EP as the hooks come as fast and powerful as the suavely performed vocals. Five kick arse original tracks and three remixes of the title track by Shio-Z, Botnit and Vincenzo Salvia make this a must-have release.

Alpha Boy - Robert Abel - Alpha Boy's back with a very impressive new release inspired by work of creative visionary Robert Abel. The sounds are some of Alpha Boys most experimental yet and the atmospheric and ambiant pieces are magically engrossing, especially 'Quasar',  'Black Hole' and the Kubrick-esque 'Can You Hear That'.


Ian Deaton - Atlanta Crime Wave - In this album Ian Deaton has crafted an incredibly deep and rewarding listening experience in quality Soundtrack Synth music. The compositions make up detailed set pieces and are all tied together by the overriding concept of his own vision of the classic 80s cop action movie. Some really incredible pieces on here, with '90 Down Moreland' and 'Buford Hwy 2am' being my favourites.


LA Dreams - Mirrors - The modern day master of emotionally driven 80s synth sounds is back with another album packed with gorgeous melodies and synthillating soundscapes. The LA Dreams sound expands into even more ideas on this record and tracks like 'Ready To Rumble', 'Silk Stalking' and 'Let's Party' really convey that beautifully vibrant LA Dreams Magic oh so delightfully well.

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Lets open up the Weekend Update with some some smooth space synth from FLIGHTWAVE and his cosmic new piece 'Jade Rabbit 86'. This homage to the beleaguered moon explorer is the perfect blend of asian mysticisms in the melodies and expansive lunar synthscapes. Currently available for FREE download.

MegaDrive keeps the Eastern thematic rockin with his new track 'The Street Fighter'. The music pounds with intensity as samples from the martial arts classic The Street Fighter punctuate each chapter of synth violence. A wonderful homage indeed and currently available for FREE download.




Zonic Zynth is experimenting with all kinds of killer sounds in his new piece 'Dreamarized', 90s elements work through the percussion but the Zonic funk synth keeps the 80s feelings rockin. The overall atmosphere is hazy and full of echoing reverberations and entrancing as it bounces along. Make sure you check out Zonic's kick arse Hollywood Synthphonies album from last year too as it certainly slipped under my radar, it's full of rockin Zonic Zynth action that is sure to get your pulse racing.




Back this week with another killer tune is Kruiser and his high energy thrill ride 'Anger'. The structure of this piece is amazingly well crafted as each suite alludes to different emotional spaces. I simply adore the back end to this track which has a powerful afterglow that contrasts the early intensified chapters beautifully. This track is currently available for FREE download currently too.




Although not strictly 80s in the most pure of senses, the new Robots With Rayguns track is positively bursting with quality 80s elements and repackaged into a modern explosion of energetic action. 'Rhythm Test' is a great mix of the old, the new and the timelessly rockin. This track is available for purchase on RWR's Bandcamp page here.




Moving at high speed into the dark horizon we find Danger Mode kicking up dust and leaving a wake of death in his path with his new piece 'Killers'. This slow-motion OutRun adventure is fraught with menace and suspense and thoroughly enthralling from beginning to end.




Taking away the panic and allowing for some smooth synthual caresses is the superb new jam from Babylon 86 titled 'Sunset'. Slowly building to an energetic, funky atmosphere the music is a magical blend of both subtle and more forthright instrumentations. Emotionally uplifting in every way.




Another great track from She Said (Judge Dredd) cropped up this week in 'Sex And Data'. Strong melodies escalate the mood into sensual realms full of lusting technologies and futuristic delights. The layers of instruments rise and fall in time with heaving bodies doused in electrified ecstasy.




A new producer to Synthetix.FM is Apex 86 and I've instantly become a devotee of his kick arse sounds. In 'Climax' we're taken into salacious midnight rendezvous with pumping basslines allowing the provocative synth melodies to take flight. Apex 86 also shared another great track in 'Hot Nights', both tracks you can pick up on his Bandcamp page here. Many thanks to scene legend Jarred Hageman for enlightening me to Apex 86.




I recently decided that Manolis is the most underrated and under appreciated artist in the 80s inspired synth scene. His sounds are incredibly well written and each track contains such beautifully individual nuances. It baffles me entirely that he hasn't been picked up by a label yet as Manolis promises to be one of the future leaders of the 80s inspired synth scene. You only need to experience his latest tack 'Datacorder' to feel the Manolis Magic, and it's also currently available for FREE download.




Future Holotape are back with a killer new synth pop tune titled 'Replicant'. This duo are really perfecting their craft in each new track and the songwriting and 80s influences are stepped up even further in this new song. There's a lot to love, from the impassioned vocals to the lead synth melodies, the rockin just doesn't stop.




Resting on their laurels is apparently not a part of the Compilerbau work ethic as after just releasing the spectacular Tachyon album Rudolf has now gone out and invented a phenomenal new genre that I hope develops further. This new take on classical music done with 80s sounds and styles is absolutely rockin to the max and I'm sure will spark new inspirations and synthscapes in the future. This homage is the perfect evolution of similar 70s and early 80s revisions of classical sounds and 'Fragments Of Back 1' proves there is still much fertile ground to grow new and imaginative sounds from.




This week's Electro Breakin anthem is brought to you by Neon Vandal with his body poppin sex anthem 'L.A Nights'. Channelling all the right influences from Afrika Bambataa to Paul Hardcastle this track is just pure electric energy served with a side of sensuality.




It brings me immense pleasure to bring Myrone into the Synthetix.FM universe. Very, very few producers in the scene have fully utilised 80s guitars in the sounds to their fullest potential but in 'Victory Theme (They Said Our Love Couldn't Be Done)' Myrone does this with aplomb and attitude. The rockin is taken to astronomically awesome levels as each riff and solo pulses with 80s inspiration and emotional power. Easily one of my favourite tracks of the year thus far and I can't wait for Myrone to rock my world again. This work of absolute magic is available for FREE download currently and make sure you check out the kick arse video for this track here too.




Chrome Brulee set off all kinds of buzz last year when they came out of nowhere with one of the best promo videos ever that set the 80s inspired synth scene on fire. Their limited release of Kiss The Hiss Volume 1 with only small numbers of cassettes available for purchase and no digital download meant that a lot of people missed out on their rockin tunes though. With Kiss The Hiss Volume 2 coming out at some stage this year they've released a short little teaser alluding to some radical Italo Synth vibes. Synthetix.FM will be following the next phase of the Chrome Brulee experience very closely!




Our final piece for this week's Weekend Update is the marvellous new video Dark Souls II: Rogue Warrior featuring the music of Protector 101 and Zero Call. This gives the 80s Saturday Morning Cartoon treatment to the extremely masochistic Dark Souls II video game from the creative talents of animator extraordinaire Veselekov.  Totally rockin.



That does it for another Weekend Update on Synthetix.FM, I hope you've found some great new music to make your weekend rock that 80s love just a little bit more.

I'll be back during the week with more exciting music from the 80s inspired synth scene, 'til then stay 80s and keep on rockin.

Synthetix Weekend Update

The more the scene grows the more great music comes out and the more releases I find are slipping through the cracks and don't get the chance to be shared on here. As a bit of a trial run I'm going to reprise something the old FM stations used to do on their weekly Top 40 flyers and bring in something to the Weekend Updates to make sure as little as possible misses getting some exposure.

In honour of an FM radio station that no longer exists that I used to listen to religiously in the 80s (EON FM) I'm going to call this new section Airborne. Airborne is going to cover the EPs and LPs that I don't have the space to review or doesn't technically meet the criteria for a full Synthetix.FM review but still is well worthy of your attention. The reviews during the week on here are all about the music that moves me and I fall in love with, and I give them the full treatment. The Weekend Updates are for my favourite tracks that have come out through the week and the odd EP, with the new Airborne section it gives me the chance to share more great music with you.

AIRBORNE This Week

Paris76 - Sandy Dreams Debut EP from this promising producer, with great 70s and 80s influences and crossing over a wide range of genres.

Kid Quasar - Mega Drive Another great debut EP, this time taking the 80s in more experimental directions, highly recommended to fans of the Klockhaus brand of soundscapes.

Cheap Talk - Let's Get Electric Lots of great 80s pop sounds given a modern coat of gloss with a dreamy, charming lo-fi aesthetic.

Nightcrawler - Metropolis  Debut album from Nightcrawler covers a massive ranges of styles and genres with some marvellous atmospheric pieces and collaborative work.

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SaiR is back with a hot new track 'Leaving Earth'. Smooth and funky sounds jam along with a sumptuous glow and explore deep melodic passages with just a hint of sexiness. Superb arrangements and full of that rockin SaiR magic!




MUSCLE is new rocker on the scene and has created quite a buzz with his track 'Our Bodies In Heat'. Only his second track but he already has a great understanding of 80s sounds and has some excellent progressions that really build up the excitement. Currently available for FREE download, too!




Bixby Snyder's rockin the Valentine's Day spirit with his totally rockin new track 'Moon & Back'. Working with vocal talent Heidi this synth pop gem bridges the 80s pops standards as well as some Italo flavour cast into the mix for more good times. You can purchase this kick arse song here.




Offic3r is rocking some supremely engaging work with his new track 'Close To Harmony'. The foreboding melodies are accented by chilled, emotive leads with deft flourishes of effects highlighting the action. The drama is dangerous and threatens to explode but is held on a tight leash throughout.




A new producer to Synthetix.FM is Infinity Cobra from Austria. He's been sharing his music on soundcloud for about a year and his latest track is rather special. 'A Cyberpunk Story' is very atmospheric in it's synthscape and retains an uncomplicated lightness through it's chapters. The lead refrain is fantastic and becomes a haunting mantra. Available for FREE download currently.




Destroyah is another new producer but definitely demands some attention with his new track 'Neon Knight (1980-14 Mix)'. The music is emotive and very creatively engineered with a stellar variety of sounds creating high points in the synthscape. It's hugely atmospheric and vast while retaining poignant touches of intimacy. Be sure to check out the other tracks on Destroyah's soundcloud too.




More Valentine's themed love, this time from scene legend Sferro with his sensuous track 'Endearment'.  Melodies come in and out of focus with a deep embrace and lingering synths form deeply enriching passages. In the spirit of giving Sferro has also made this track a FREE download to celebrate Valentine's Day.




Danger Mode keeps on rockin all the right ways and his latest track although on the short side is totally sweet. 'Burning Rubber' gets back to OutRun basics with a devilishly infectious melody set afire with searing synths and high speed thrills. Marvellous work!




Next up is a track that's sure to divide audiences but is definitely something new for the scene. As I mentioned in last week's Weekend Update, I was wondering where Blokkmonsta would take his 80s journey next and my question has been answered rather vociferously! 'Night Life' is a collaborative piece with Swagbot rockin the synths over aggressive beats and a rap vocal in German that I'm pretty sure isn't a Valentine's Day themed love poem. I'm still on the fence, personally, but it's definitely something new for 80s inspired synth scene that could lead to more exciting music in the future. Also check out Swagbot's killer new solo track 'Natural High' for more rad rockin.




One of the highlights of my listening this week is the totally rockin new track from Waveshaper titled 'Deep Circuits'. This piece is arranged for maximum excitement and engagement and has a lead melody that is k-rad to the max. A marvellous blend of 70s prog and 80s sounds makes for a tonne of aural magic.




Robert Parker is a producer I was only recently made aware of and now I'm trying to catch up as much as possible. His new track, 'Brooklyn Bridge' is a wonderfully atmospheric composition with emotions that run deep and true. Make sure you check out his killer Drive, Sweat, Play release on Bandcamp too!



Pulse 80's new track 'Automation' is sure kick the 80s Electro Rock sounds beautifully. This Dub version is a apparently a B side (as well this Bonus Beats mix) but I'm unsure when the A side will appear. Either way, this track rocks to the max and both pieces are up for FREE download.




Haunting melodies are the order of the day for Kruiser's new track 'Childhood'. There is a palpable air of melancholy about this piece, but perhaps it's this affectionate memory of times in our youth that are sure to bring a tear to our eyes. Emotionally driven and crafted with much beauty, this is a riveting experience. Kruiser's very new to the scene, but I'm certainly looking forward to hearing more from him.




Keeping things melancholic with a bit more of a pop angle is Decades/Failures new gem 'February 14th'. The distorted Joy Division-esque vocals tell a tale of broken hearts and the emotional mess left behind after the romance has gone. The sweet synth melodies are full of 80s homage  and make for a great counterpoint to the much more raw vocals.  This song is currently available for FREE download.




Miami Beach Force are having a bit of Valentine's sadness too in their new track 'The End'. Morose and moody melody build with powerful rhythms pounding unforgivingly. The searing lead synth is beautiful and fragile as it climbs higher and higher into the nothingness above.




Bringing back some romance to fix our broken hearts is the rad new collaboration between Femmepop and Timecop 1983. 'Our Time' is a fantastic modern take on 80s pop sounds with sweetly passionate vocals and synth melodies that smoulder great beauty.  You can pick up a copy of this song on Bandcamp here, and you can also watch the official video for 'Our Time' here.




The final piece for this week's Weekend Update comes to us from synthwave auteur extraordinaire Neros77 and his video from Palm Highway Chase's 'Atari Prime'. His source material is one of my favourite 80s ads and befits the music to perfection! I'll be reviewing Palm Highway Chase's Arpnet album on Synthetix.FM next week, so enjoy this candy flavoured taster until then.




That does us for this week's Weekend Update, I'll be back during the week with more of the raddest tunes from the 80s inspired synth scene, 'til then stay 80s and keep on rockin.

Synthetix Weekend Update

The festive season is getting into full swing and the hot tunes just keep on rockin. No time for dillydallying this week, this Weekend Update is ready to explode with a monstrous amount of quality 80s flavoured synthsperiences rockin from a myriad of virtual locations around the galaxy directly into your hearts and minds.

First up on the starting grid is the irrepressible Danger Mode and his new smash hit 'Class Act'. Exploring some very refined Synth Romance sounds this is beautifully arranged track that channels Steve Winwood directly. Get rockin on this now as it's available for FREE download currently.




Shyguys are back from a six month hiatus with a totally rad new track that is full of 80s love and contains a truly beautiful uplifting aesthetic. The lead melody positively dances around the synthscape while the percussion is just as vibrant and energetic. Available for FREE download currently!




One thing I truly appreciate about modern producers is when they are inspired by 80s themes that are a tad less obvious than the usual standards. On Action Jackson's new track we are taken deep in the heart of Russia with 'Girl From USSR'. The world behind the Iron Curtain in the 80s was one of much speculation and fascination, especially from the West's point of view. Action Jackson captures these Eastern European elements succinctly and delivers them perfectly throughout this great piece. Make sure you check LA Nights, another track he shared this week, even in demo form it totally rocks.




More intimately tender Synth Romance, this time from MoweLan. 'Moonrays' is a majestically performed work of emotionally enriching beauty. The tempo and narrative are lithe and arched for maximum sensuality while the guitars provide sultry passages of electrifying excitement. Available for FREE download, make sure this makes all your 'late night' playlists.




Lueur Verte's triumphant return to the scene has been witnessed by his newly shared preview for the Crystallica EP,  which is due out December 1st. Drama, action, love and adventure are all teased throughout the five snippets available. It is not long to wait for the full release and I'll be sure to give this the full Synthetix.FM treatment upon it's release.




It's no secret to anyone that I rather enjoy making up names and terms regularly on Synthetix.FM and after hearing D/A/D's penchant for this kind of thing in his interview on Beyond Synth this week I've become even more inspired to do so. Sunglasses Kid's new track feels like the perfect place to introduce a new sub genre that I'm going to call After School Special Synth. It's a little bit Library and a little bit funky and it sure is rockin from beginning to end. You can purchase your own copy of 'The Last Dance' via the link in the player. Oh, and I love you too, Sunglasses Kid!




Every time I hear a new Evanton track I seem to think to myself 'this is definitely the best Evanton track' and then they release a new piece, and the same thought comes to mind. Such is the progression these rockers have made throughout 2013 and with 'Don't Stop' they've done it again. Definitely my favourite Evanton experience thus far with the perfect blend of Electro Breakin' and Italo Disco all packaged with a gleamingly slick production. You can pick up a copy of this which includes the U.S Remix and Radio Version through the link in the player.




Do you like to rock? Do you want to rock? If the answer to both of these questions is yes, then you'll certainly want to get the volume cranked up well past safe levels and rock the hell of the absolutely kick arse new track from Jon Of The Shred entitled '2029 A.D.'. This guitar drenched composition of dramatic synths and awe inspiring power is something to behold. I think this is one of Jon's first experiments in rock synth experiences, but I certainly hope is not his last as '2029 A.D.' is k-rad to the max.




How can you possibly follow something with such extreme rocking? With extreme funking, thats how!
Garth Knight is back to full form funk flights of fantasy with his brand new track 'Dance With Me'. I love how stripped back this piece feels, theres a real 'live' element to the synthscape that is totally engaging. It's great to see such strong return from Mr Knight, and you can purchase your own copy of 'Dance With Me' through the link in the player.




Niky Nine has proven to be one of the most exciting new producers coming out of the back end of 2013 and his new release 'Road' adds even more weight to this. The drama is kept in check with an absolutely stunning lead synth melody that flows like a neon liquid of saturating 80s wonder. The story is told splendidly well with each passage and refrain ushering in new levels of excitement. This superb experience is available to add to your collection at a name-your-own-price point through the link in the player.



Another hot rockin preview teaser next, this time from Palisded. I've got a weak spot for Palisded's brand of 80s inspired synth work as it's minimalist nature is punctuated by it's beautifully conceived melodies and combine for a hypnotising elevatory experience. This new album displays these traits in each of the teased tracks. It's not too long to wait for the full album however, as it's due out on the 19th of December.




KFDDA keeps on upping his game with each shared track and his latest is definitely one of his strongest thus far. 'New Sights' eases into itself  through it's introductory passage but quickly finds a path of marching intent and melodic adventures within. I really love the freeform nature of the production that makes it feel lik a live jam yet it still retains a strong narrative. Great work and is currently available for FREE download.




A new compilation from Violent Success Productions called Retro Future is due out on the 3rd of December but I couldn't contain my excitement for two tracks off it from Droid Bishop and Crozet. The compilation contains no less than nineteen tracks from a huge variety of artists both familiar and unfamiliar to myself, and I'm really looking forward to experiencing the full package. For now though, we must rock the amazing new track from Droid Bishop, 'Days Of The Running Man'. The structure to this experience is absolutely jaw dropping with emotive melodies combining with lushly detailed synthscapes that are bursting with vibrant colours and energies.




Another awesome track off this compilation is 'Hold My Weight' from Crozet. This is a high speed adventure into Synth Romance with pastel crushes of synths and percussion melding with a delicate vocal track. The pop sensibilities of Crozet are very apparent as this experience is perfectly arranged for the absolute maximum emotional impact. It's anthemic and full of beauty, wonderful music.




Keeping things in the Synth Pop realm is the new song from the Some Desperate Glory side project Pacific Deep entitled 'Upgradeable'. These guys have really nailed the new romantic synth sounds of the early 80s with a poignant vocal track and a super catchy chorus. These music is authentic and full of homage to the classics of the day while adding a new layer of freshness to the mix.




To finish of this Weekend Update we have something from Le Matos, this is an old promo video for their 'Coming Soon' album that came out in 2011, but I just came across this and had to share it. The video is wonderfully implemented modern take on the original music video for Kenny Loggins 'Footloose' and this combined with the always amazing Le Matos magic makes for a sublimely rad experience.


Le Matos "88mph" music video from Le Matos on Vimeo.


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

This week's been exceptionally productive in the 80s inspired synth scene, it would seem that with the most 80s of holidays only a month away that producers are preparing for an onslaught of hot rockin tunes. Halloween on Synethix.FM will definitely be one to remember, but more on that in future posts.

Right now we have a huge amount of quality tunes to rock into, so lets take a trip into the past via the future with the new Synthetix Weekend Update!!

Aysyne's fast becoming a force to be reckoned with as each new track he shares expands his musical palette. On 'Ascend' we get to experience a stunningly beautiful lead melody that is given more weight with the dreamy synth accents. It's a joy to experience and is definitely one of Aysyne's strongest tracks.




Next up is a breezy new jam from Danger Mode, appropriately titled 'Timeless'.  Melodic exploration of passionate themes is the order of the day as synths are allowed to ebb and flow with subtlety and delight. This track is currently available for FREE download, many thanks to Vincenzo Salvia for sharing the hype on this one.




Grooveworthy is planning the launch of his Information Age EP in November and has shared a preview of the release. This should be a super exciting release as Grooveworthy's constantly pushing his own creativity and refining his sounds. The music featured includes the absolutely epic 'Information Superhighway' and is keeping the theme of 'emerging' internet technology as the theme. To get to know a bit more about Grooveworthy be sure to check out this week's episode of Beyond Synth that features an very entertaining interview with him here.




It was very interesting this week that two tracks found me that are very similar yet very different. Both are themed around the initial arcade game craze of the early 80s and are laced with samples and driving melodies. The first of these is 'VideoGameCraze', the first track to be shared publicly by Grand National. The soundscape is kept tight and on the minimalist end of the spectrum as news and game samples rock with the delightfully twee lead melody.




 Botnit's new track, 'Hi-Score' expands upon the theme further as the high energy OutRun music creates a great tension to the atmosphere. The sample usage also pushes towards these ends as the dark sides of the industry and addiction creep into the frame.  Both these tracks are kick arse in the own rights and make for a great double play experience.




Foreign Blade has graced us with a hot track this week that packs in the drama going by the name of 'Calling Mr. Big Shot'. Keeping things dark and brooding the music alludes to higher powers and glimmers of humanity amid the corporate back biting and hunger for power. This track is currently available for FREE download, so get it rockin as soon as possible.




Future City Records released a hot new three track EP by the rock hard Thunderclaw this week and it's definitely an experience in heavy handed radness. This Miami Vice themed experience combines high energy electro rockin action in strong doses. 'Recoleta' opens things up with smoothly ambient synths that are then blasted into sunset by high voltage electro passages. The combination typifies the contrasting nature of the Thunderclaw experience.

Moods shift darker and become more singularly minded with track two 'Castillo'. Haunting melodies fuelled with night time dangers and begin to choke with intensity. The Thunderclaw soundscape seems to be often pushed to breaking point to enhance the visceral nature of the narratives containing. The third chapter, 'Abel' is a fine example of this style of modern presentation with vintage music to allow for the contrast of beauty and brutality to co-exist in a timeless dimension.

You can pick up the B.A. EP from Thunderclaw through the link in the player below and I'd definitely encourage you to take a three part ride down the dark side of the Florida Key's with Thunderclaw at the helm.



Lets keep in the shadows of the night with the rockin new track from Professor Zonic Zynth and his latest work 'Doomsday MK-1'. The darker path is seldom travelled by the Professor but in this track he allows his synth funk to take on a nocturnal obeisance that is riveting and full of the dangers of the night.




When I go one about the stories and narratives in 80s inspired synth music this is a reflection on how the music evolves, draws you in and then takes you to new places and allows the experience to go beyond the more uniform structures of some electronic music. In RF Extreme's new track, 'Present Daze' we have a textbook example of the use of this kind of structure in an 80s presentation. The opening passages leads to a dramatic middle section before the enlightenment of the final climax. An incredibly beautiful example of quality craftsmanship in the synthient arts. Also be sure to check out a rockin interview RF Extreme has done this past week on Synth Waves here.




Lost Years is back and rockin the italo synth tones on his new gem 'The Kick'. Still in it's early stages of development this is certainly already hitting all the right notes for totally kick arse italo sounds. The pace is kept to a middling canter which allows for the huge percussive flourishes to really resonate for maximum effect.




Dance With The Dead are still yet to settle on the full track line up for their impending album due out this Halloween and with the quality of all the demo's they've been sharing of late it's going to be a hard job to select only one album's worth. Their new track 'Neon' takes on a far less dramatic tone than much of their previous outings, and has a touch of Arcade High about the lead melody that works beautifully well with Dance With The Dead's power house production.




PH Groove is heading for the gym with his new tune 'Legwarmers', and working up a sweat with hooky melodies and energetic arrangements. The PH Groove synth funk sounds are engineered for a more forthright disco flavour this time around and ventures into exciting new territories over it's epic near seven minutes. This track is currently available for FREE download, so make it a part of your work out as soon as you can.




Something a bit of out left field now with the stunning new song from Pistol Shrimp. 'This Moment' features AaronKnute and creates and incredibly beautiful vista of chill/dream wave synthscapes that swells with 80s love. The production is engineered for the perfect presence of each element and the vocal refrain is captured with much poignancy. This reminds me in parts of My Bloody Valentine and the Cocteau Twins, but with a more cinematic flair. It's definitely powered by energies I find much more engaging that a lot of the more sparsely arranged chill/dream wave songs I've heard and it's this huge wall of sound that is so totally enrapturing.




Hot on the heels of her VHS Dreams EP, Palisded has released a killer new synth experience this week called 'Lovestruck'. The bouncing bassline and minimalist melodies are complemented by a marching drum track that ties the experience together. The spatial nature of the synthscape is very engaging and the exploration of the melodies is wonderfully intimated. This track is currently available for FREE download, so get it while you can.




To finish of this week's Weekend Update we have something from the complete opposite end of the synth spectrum with a totally killer new tropical synth piece from James Baker titled 'Un Paradis Tropical'. I just can't get enough of this tune, it's gorgeous 80s naiveté and crisp synthscape is utterly joyous to behold. You can not help yourself but smile all the way through this track and thats one of the truly magical things about 80s inspired synth music. Totally k-rad to the max.



As James Baker's brilliance fades into the sunset it's time to say a bientot on Synthetix.FM for another week of rockin tunes and cosmic jams. I'll be back during the week ahead with more action from finest producers in 80s inspired synth music.

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