AIRBORNE

Mathusalem - Profondo Rosso

By Jazzi Marzcat

The moon is full, casting shadows everywhere. Something is lurking in the dark, and in the next moment, deep red blood flows out to the ground. Music that can create such vivid images like that, can all be found on the 3rd, and latest release by Mathusalem, his EP Profondo Rosso. Mathieu "Mathusalem" Thomas, a synthwave producer from Paris, France who has been on the scene for quite some time now, has stated about his music that, "I love to change the world and atmosphere in it, (and) to produce many different styles." Mathusalem succeeds with this EP in doing exaclty that. Inspired by horror, and film soundtracks of the Italian Giallo age, this EP takes a detour from his previous work that is more upbeat in style, and instead takes a listener on a darker journey, with killer dance beats, and gorgeously layered synth melodies. Each track tells it's own story, and with Mathusalem's genius production, vividly so!

Starting with the first track, you should get your silver bullets ready, because 'Wolf' is going to smack you right in the face on play's first impact with the sounds of wolves howling. Just before you can take cover, BOOM! The synths kick in, and with an infectous bass line, and a groovy beat, these wolves are going to go all "Were" on you in the most funkiest of ways!! This song seriously does for werewolves, what Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' did for zombies. From beginning to end, there are so many delicious twists and turns in this song, it will get you begging for more! I guarantee, this is going to be a favorite to be played at Halloween parties!

If 'Wolf' was too seductive to pull away from the allure of animal yearnings, 'The Slayer' is going to whip you in to shape! This track is very unique, as it mixes a heavy rock'n'roll edge with sexy disco beats. It starts off with harsh synth chords, followed by a heavy lead guitar, but then brings in a heart pounding cool beat that will keep you on your slayer toes. I literally could not sit still listening to this song!! It will get you to not only bang your head, but boogie down as well. Just a really awesome track that satisfies all needs!

However if you're not careful with your dance moves, red blood will begin to flow in the next track, a cover of 'Profondo Rosso'. This is well known by horror fans as one of the most delectable tracks created by the legendary progressive band Goblin, for the film of the same name directed by the master of horror himself Dario Argento, in the mid 1970s. Mathusalem takes on the title track of the Argento's film Profondo Rosso with integrity and grooviness! Right from the start is the familiar melody of 'Profondo Rosso', and I'm in love!  I can't get enough of this mix of innocence and creepiness to a melody. It is slightly slowed down from the original, but it helps to savor each note. A little disappointment is the toning down of the bass line from the original track, but the the mix of synth effects and the cool dance beat make up for this. With the melody carefully preserved, it's an excellent way to bring more horror and screams to the dance floor!  (Just make sure to clean up all the blood afterwards).

Rounding out this really awesome EP is the remix to Justice's song 'Phantom Part 1.5'. Originally more of a EDM track, with a sample of Vangelis' 'Aquatic Dance', Mathusalem brings an Italian Giallo vibe to it, making it fit perfectly with the other songs.  Although the beat is a little slower than a dance beat, and more methodical, the harsh synth chords that create a lot of tension, and the delicate, yet chilling melody, are fast enough to land this track into outrun territory. A really rocking track!!

This EP is so excellent, you may be able to outrun the werewolves, the slayer, and the thirst for blood, but will you will not be able to outrun the addiction of listening to this EP on repeat!! I know I haven't!! Plus with the Halloween season approaching,  and for any, and all fans of horror, this EP is just too good to pass up!!! Check it out now from 30th Floor Records, available for download at "Name your own price" for a limited time here.  

Mulperi - Unicorn Express

By Jerry Herrera





Mulperi’s Unicorn Express EP is an impressive collection of synthwave bliss.  While there may not be anything particularly game changing, it’s clear that Mulperi is a talented artist that is worth keeping an eye on.  There are some really gorgeous melodies and progressions working in every track and some thoughtful instrumentation that effectively create visions of far off landscapes and undiscovered worlds in the mind’s eye.

Pay particular attention to the title track.  It’s a slow paced journey through the clouds of an alien world, both comforting and simultaneously creating a sense of wonder.  Following that is Fading Memories which is a beautiful musical meditation that is reminiscent of Vangelis’ film compositions.  My favorite track would have to be The Power of One for its outrun flavors and haunting vocoded snippets.  I think Mulperi is on track to be a solid and consistent producer who has a good instinct for spaced out sci fi outrun.

Mulperi's Unicorn Express EP is available here for FREE download on soundcloud and it is highly recommended listening.

Digital Native Dance - Los Canarreos

By Rick Shithouse

Digital Native Dance is back with a brand new tropically themed EP which is channelling new strata of the 80s for this well loved artist. In Los Canarreos DND sets moods to chill and the temperature to sweltering with four tracks of pineapple dappled, sunset fresh synth magic.

An entirely new soundscape greets the listener at 'Sunrise' with a live spatial atmosphere full of analogue sounds. Bass and guitars move glacially in and out of focus through the heat haze, setting a launching pad for the opening title track. In what came as quite a shock DND brings to life some amazingly authentic Duran Duran sounding ensembles; complete with John Taylor styled rocktastic basslines and the synths and guitars working magic amid the tropical percussion. This track could easily be an extra instrumental piece off Rio, a greater compliment I can't give.

Opting for even sultrier, laid back qualities DND gets some more guitar driven moods sweating and gyrating in 'Ocean Drive Through'. If the vibe were any chiller you'd need a jacket, scarf and mittens. Party time kicks in with the funky brass and groovy rhythms of 'After Dark' as DND finds love amongst the flickering torches at the beachside soiree. Superbly written and full of instrumental nuance this track is rife with DND's alluring songwriting hallmarks that make the moon sparkle off the ocean in a completely entrancing manner.

DND's Los Canarreos EP is available on iTunes here and is the perfect companion piece to those warm summer days and nights, and if the weather isn't as fair as you'd like; Digital Native Dance is sure to raise the temperatures with these four sizzling tracks.

Synthetix Weekend Update

Another totally kick arse compilation has been released to celebrate the first anniversary of Telefuture Records. This label has been instrumental in bringing to light many talented producers in the last year including scene favourites like Garth Knight, Makeup & Vanity, Le Cassette, Collins, Arcade High and Rolly Mingwald, amongst others.

One: A Telefuture Compilation presents all new tracks from these artists and many more at a 'name-your-own-price' point on their Bandcamp page here. Make sure you grab a copy and support this fantastic label.

Now, let's rock the latest Synthetix Weekend Update!


First up is a totally killer new track from Final DJ's. 'Flash In The Night' is a return to the classic 80s synth sounds for this duo, flavoured with a modern dancefloor energy. This is one half of their latest EP, with the their piece 'Los Angeles' providing the other side. This FREE EP is available through the link the player, so get it switched on ASAP.




Foreign Blade is building the momentum for his new release Electric Dusk rapidly by sharing two tracks from it this week. 'Night Life' was my favourite of the two, but Crystal City is also very impressive. This smooth twilight synth piece is perfectly executed with an understated ambiance that is tremendously engaging. I'm definitely looking forward to the release of Electric Dusk, which is at this stage still un-dated.




Fantastisizer is back with a moody new morsel of synthtacular sounds with his latest 'The Dark Sun'. Minimalist in presentation but also full of character and personality I love the narrative that builds throughout this piece. It's thought provoking and delightfully introspective from beginning to end.




DigitalNativeDance is spreading his creative wings into some seriously sensual synthscapes with his latest experience 'Ocean Drive-Through'. The languid nature of this track is completely enthralling, time begins to slow and the sights and sounds of the seaside begin to permeate through. Sublimely orchestrated with every element working together in perfect symbiosis. This is currently available for FREE download currently.




Keeping on the same track, but moving into more urban surrounds is 'Take The D-Train' from the always rockin Amazing Police. Melodies are are vibrant and colourful against a buckled down funk bassline. The mid point break down and consequent rebuilding is absolutely k-rad to the max.




Another rocker who's got the funky flow this week is Rutger Megahertz and his teaser for a new track called 'Tension'. The sparse synthscape reverberates with sexual tensions and teasing glimpses. The experience is still to be fully realised, but this two minute teaser is still available for FREE download.




Time for some high energy synth pop and Sady K Diskostar's totally rockin new song 'Ich Bin Nicht Wie Du'. Even being in german language this song is full of nocturnal adventures and sensual promises with a huge percussion track and synths that soar majestically with the vocals. This is the first track from the upcoming album '1981', which I hope is going to be released soon.



The Boy & Sister Alma are back with a superb new rockin track 'Tom's Cruise'. This is one hell of a ride with a totally killer guitar track and, once again, a hugely catchy chorus. The songwriting is beautiful throughout this experience and displays a great knowledge of understanding what makes 80s style pop so wonderful. 'Tom's Cruise' is currently available for FREE download.




It's time to welcome Hemendex into the Synthetix.FM family with their new song 'Faith In War'. This band from Croatia do a radical mix of New Order and earlier UK synth pop styles, and also have an excellent message to their music. There's a lot to love about the Hemendex experience and I'll be sure to  be giving them lots more love on Synthetix.FM in the future. 'Faith In War' is also available for FREE download. Be sure to check out their other rockin tunes on soundcloud too.




Bending the concepts of reality ever so slightly is the new SPF5Ø track 'フェティッシュ' which loosely translates as 'Fetish'. This vampiric cacophony of synth sounds is accented by spoken word samples and I do believe an obscure Billy Idol sample. It's riveting all the way through and it's elements of ChipTune rawness add even more intrigue. Available for FREE download at this time




While we're in the twilight zone of 80s inspired synth it's a good time to take a trip to 'Golden Pond' with Toasters & Dreams. This unsettling piece swirls synths around pointed samples from the movie On Golden Pond, while percussive drama and flourishes from other parts of the cosmos complete the soundscape. It's an uncommon combination that Toasters & Dreams manages to pull off exceptionally well. Available for FREE download, also.




I must say, I do have a penchant for the odd bit of vaporwave. It's not a style I listen to a lot, but I find it provides a delightfully engaging alternate 80s dimension. Sgreyes has taken the vaporwave pill with his new track 'Provincial Fashion' and his hazy dreamlike loops make for an interesting adventure. Sounds obtain much more clarity than the usual vaporwave fare and this adds a much more defined and solid nature to the soundscape.  Stellar work, as always, from Sgreyes.




Taking the on-ramp to excitement is the rockin new track from RF.Extreme 'Speed Daze'. The powerhouse drum track compliments the slow motion rhythm melodies incredibly well, the experience is constructed with the right amount of questions and answers throughout the narrative. It's simplicity belies it's energy and that's what makes it rock so very hard.




We're already up to Version 4 of Lost Years new experience 'The Other Side Of You'. The last couple of revisions really expanded upon the initial ideas and through this current incarnation we're told a much deeper story. The Lost Years soundscape is always so precisely engineered, this piece really makes that pinpoint sharp dynamic of the Lost Years experience a priority.




A rare treat from Professor Zonic Zynth as he has shared his track 'Contact' as also being a FREE download. This producer is near the top of my short list of producers who I really think need to release a full album, which will hopefully occur sooner rather than later. Getting back to 'Contact' we're taken on much more ambient space themed excursion that hypnotises with it's melodic refrains and dazzles with it's otherworldliness.




Our final piece in this week's Weekend Update is a compendium of free tracks previously released by synth romance raconteur Rain Sword. This is a must-have release for all fans of quality 80s inspired synth music and goes a great way to solidify Rain Sword as one of the true artistes in the field. These eleven tracks  encompass many and varied genres of vintage sound and all are filled to overflowing with golden neon 80s magic. Pick this up through the player or click here to go directly to Rain Sword's  Bandcamp page.



That does us for another rockin Weekend Update. I'll be back during the week with more good times and great rock'n'roll but there won't be a Weekend Update next weekend, I'll be having some time away but will be back with more radical action the following week.

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

Synthetix Weekend Update

Massive amounts of hot tunes came rockin in from all parts of the planet during the last week, traversing a myriad of 80s sounds, styles and emotions. No time to delay this week as the doors are busted wide open with another seam splittingly gargantuan Weekend Update on Synthetix.FM!

A new Photosynthesi track is always cause for celebration and his latest work, Enrosadira, brings to mind all the reasons I love Photosynthesi's sounds. A highly energetic adventure that has some very detailed synth sounds and a tone full of magic and wonder. This is currently available for FREE download also, thanks very much Mr Photosynthesi!




Kid Machine's really kicking into high gear of late and his newest track is really rockin hard. 'Prism' is a full of classic sounds that cover light years of 80s styles. Beginning with an italo synth intro things give way to some epic soundtrack style melodies while break beats rock with an energy all their own and the last half even steps into electro moods. A highly ambitious piece that Kid Machine manages to make work seemingly effortlessly.




Cougar Synth keeps pumping out big sounds on a weekly basis and has really outdone himself with his just published Out Of Town. The drum track for this is absolutely rockin and the synth melodies form with a sparse approach that layers in perfectly. Full of mystery and intrigue Out Of Town is totally rockin place to be. Also available for FREE download!




Mirror Kisses are back with their own wonderful blend of 80s synth pop magic. 'Runaways' is a beautifully constructed song full of emotional synths and even more emotional vocals. Mirror Kisses along with Le Cassette  have all the right 80s sounds and constructs down and really set the scene standard for the classic New Romantic style synth pop.




Rocking into high gear with little regard for our own safety is an exceptionally kick arse new track from Perturbator and Flash Arnold going under the salacious title of Sexualizer. Perturbator is really pushing new areas for his sounds, the darkness of his earlier work is now replaced by action and drama while Flash Arnold adds even more rockin good times. This track is a non stop roller coaster ride of perfectly executed sounds and arrangements.




Digital Native Dance's own brand of electro synth sounds developed further with his first release for 2013: Scorched. This sequentially arranged piece presents a really killer hybrid of 80s sounds constructed with a modern context. The results are really superb and the sax melodies complete things marvellously.




Every week I get to hear a new Strenrekorder track my smile gets just a little bit wider  and his new track Small Talk is guaranteed to make you smile too. The sounds are totally perfect with a tone of purity that leads into an uncomplicated but wholly engaging experience. Text book Sternrekorder gold.




A new Mitch Murder experience is always going to make for rockin good times but his new production is something else entirely. 'In The Fast Lane' displays even further refinement to Mitch's more eclectic library-music influenced adventures. From the bassline to the stunning implemented synth flourishes I think Mitch Murder has finally found a slower more atmospheric style that still allows him to get crazy with complex and jazzy nuances. Magnificent to behold.




Gost's dark synth stylings have been one of my favourite discoveries this year and his track Day 30 keeps me coming back for more and more. Although of a darker palette, Day 30 also has an air of excitement more so than terror with a hugely catchy bassline and a mid point build that rocks totally to the max.




Fellow synthficionado Luigi Donatello had a terrific discovery this week in unearthing the ambiguously named Crust with their new song Lute. This band are totally killing the early 80s moody synth pop sounds with a perfect vocal track and excellent instrumentation. Definitely a group to watch out for! Thanks very much, Luigi!




Taking a turn into some more unfamiliar territory is a very engaging new piece from Rutger Megahertz. The eloquently titled 'Mitch's Swimwear Contest Of '84' is quite disturbing in it's tonal pastiche, with a lot of the sounds skewed into really kick arse new dimensions. Quite unlike anything else, this soundscape is totally k-rad to the max.




The ever superb Le Matos shared a new experience  this week in 'Molly'. Le Matos are definitely one of the best acts in the scene who get the balance between classic 80s and modern sounds working to perfection and Molly proves this even further. Gorgeous synth, rockin energy and Le Matos magic exuding from every second. Thanks very much to his majesty, Uncle TNUC, for the heads up!




Getting back to his own seaside home we find Plaisance returning the ocean he loves with his stunning new synthscape Deep Blue. Every new track from Plaisance adds something new and expands his horizons into beautiful new realms. The mood and vibe of Big Blue is welcoming and calming with an airy delight that we all know is pure Plaisance magic.


In what can only be described as a massively triumphant return to the scene we have a brand new teaser track from the inimitable Yan 'Mr Vector' Larson. This 'New Test' is obviously in it's early stages but having this talented producer back in action and rockin the scene is totally kick arse. Many thanks to Tommy for enlightening me to this new track.




And speaking of Tommy, the absolute highlight of this week in the 80s inspired synth scene was the announcement and preview release of Tommy's next EP to be released through Girlfriend Records this coming April. Tommy, in my opinion, has always been one of the true leaders of the scene as his individualised sounds always feel polished and totally immersive. The four tracks previewed here display even more development to the Tommy aesthetic and even in their truncated form offer much to think about. I'd also like to say that the 3rd piece beginning at 1:20 is one of the single most incredible pieces of music I'm yet to hear and can barely imagine what this will be like in it's fully realised form.




That does us for another rockin week on Synthetix.FM! I'll be back with more good times an great rock'n'roll next week and I hope you'll join me again to share in the wonders and magic of the 80s inspired synth scene. 'Til then, as always, stay 80s and keep on rockin!

Synthetix Weekend Update

I hope this week's Weekend Update on Synthetix finds you well and rockin the weekend hard, lets get right to it and keep the temperature sizzling!

Pilotpriest has release a magnificent new piece entitled Canyons, inspired by the upcoming Paul Schrader movie The Canyons. This is a sublime work of absolute quality. One of my favourite Pilotpriest ventures, it's thoroughly deep and mesmerizing.




Lost Years is keeping up his manic rate of production of superb synth sounds with his newest refinement of Breeze. This second version is cementing Lost Years' blending of italo synth and soundtrack synth in completely beautiful directions. This fine producer's work must be due for an album release some time soon, we can but hope.




DigitalNativeDance released a magnificently remixed version of Bikslow's Artanist. This has 80s love and power coursing through it's veins and makes for a totally high energy synthtacular experience. Very impressive work!




Continuing on the remixi theme we have had two brilliant remixes released of Lueur Verte's Night Slasher II. Both Perturbator and Arcade High have provided the reinterpretations and both are works monstrous magnitude. Perturbators dark synth stylings lend themselves well to the original's air of menace with rapid drum fills and thundering bassline terror. Arcade High brings in some kick arse video game drama to his remix and creates a new atmosphere of fear in the digital world. Both are must-hear!




Giallo Disco raconteur Vercetti Technicolor published another piece of horror synth work with L'incubo Senza Fine (Reprise). This genre is a thoroughly wondrous sub-genre of 80s inspired synth work and once again Vercetti Technicolor nails it, violently, into digital oblivion.




Dreaming Android Films has released the video envisionment of Klockhaus's Damage Report this week. A perfect companion to the aural majesty of the music, the video is a hypnotising mix of classic clips from 80s commercial ans promos. A perfect mix.



Another excellent clip from video editor extraordinaire Neros77 was released this week also. This man has once again made the perfect visual accompaniment to one of my favourite tracks released this year; Lazerhawk's Theme. Superlative work as always from Neros77, capturing the spirit and vision of this piece of music perfectly.



That does us for another week  on Synthetix. Next week I'll be covering, amongst other releases, AKAHandsDown and Sello RekT, so stay tuned for more music to keep you firmly stuck in the 80s, right where you want to be!

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.

Digital Native Dance Electrifies!

I always love discovering new producers with creativity and massive amounts of love for 80s music and such is the case with Tom Welsh's solo project: Digital Native Dance. The beautiful craftsmanship in all his compositions is no more apparent than his latest piece Bal Harbour Shakedown.



This is a textbook example of 80s perfection in writing, sounds and total execution. The cinematic intro sets the scene for an onslaught of fast paced synth rhythms; laced with gleaming layers of classically tuned 80s sounds and adding a final polish is the guitar riffs. Such excellent uses of melody and accents make this track work like a magic act; full of showmanship, precision and excitement. This is but only one of the opus's on Digital Native Dance's soundcloud. All his original works are rife with action, drama, suspense and flourish of pure 80s colour.

Make sure you give Digital Native Dance much love on his soundcloud here, hopefully we'll be granted even more totally kick arse music from this gifted artist soon.