Showing posts with label Dream Fiend. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dream Fiend. Show all posts

Thursday, June 9, 2016

AIRBORNE



Absolute Valentine - Police Heartbreaker 

By James Mann



For anyone who has paid attention to or immersed themselves in the synthwave scene, the name Absolute Valentine should ring a bell. A big one. This artist has been delivering top shelf, driving and memorable electro themed compositions for several years now. Gracing us with the finest synth-based tracks which are nothing short of massive, this producer from France has an innate ear and talent for melodies; percussion and bridges that play up the speakers without any teasing to bring you finesse, flair and noir themes which immediately tug at the sensibilities.

One of the first things I noticed about Absolute Valentine was the level of production. Each instrument and synth sits so nicely. Achieving a balance between compression, limiting and loudness is a picky war of words in the producer world, but with releases like Police Heartbreaker, (Absolute Valentine’s latest LP released through Laserdiscs Records) a benchmark for production seems to have been established. A tour de force in sound, analog moods marry digital touches for one of the best releases of the year. Swinging the pendulum from emotive and heartfelt, to pulsating and driving electro, this release has it all and is guaranteed to satiate all facets of the discerning synth lover.

Bad News comes full throttle and scorches terrain as an electro and arpeggiated masterpiece. Within seconds you are pulled into the Absolute Valentine sound, as dynamic synths dance around a huge kick and clap combo. Inspirations from other artists and a French touch can be heard, but this powerhouse of a musician stamps the product for himself. Ethereal melodies float above as proof AV can bring the heat but also delve into more emotional material, combining different aesthetics in a cohesive manner. It’s short and sweet, giving the listener a sense of anticipation for the next track.

Police Heartbreaker opens with a John Carpenter inspired horror synth line. The one big difference between the two is that Absolute Valentine charges ahead with a danceable and energetic piece showcasing prime chord progressions. Between scouting urban landscape for criminals, or getting a full pump with Mr. Metal at the gym, I’m torn on the possibilities. Simply put, this track is a sizzler and represents the best in dance electro with a huge 80s nod. Keeping the songs fit to a 3-4 minute mark, AV keeps your attention quite effectively.

As I progress through the album, I notice the strength in soundtrack inspired moods from Absolute. Tracks like Stake Out provide the best in 80s scoring. Pensive and moody arpeggiations with clever off claps, toms and kicks scream OST. (Original Sound Track) material. Fitting as a backdrop or front and center, these are impressive works that transcend so much more in terms of cinema based ear candy. The flexibility and versatility is astounding.

Extreme Drift is perhaps my favorite on the album. An unapologetic thrust of kick and clap bring me back to Patrick Cowley and early Hi-NRG numbers from the Paul PArker/Sylvester era. High end synths usher in a French House tinge, but again AV is able to craft something quite special and something so memorable for your senses. His excitement and love of production shows, it’s something not quite as evident on other releases I’ve heard building 80s inspired music from the ground up. Well Done.

I had a chance to catch up with Absolute and asked him what the album was all about. (In between managing the pioneering DRIVE Radio and CEO of Laserdiscs Records, this man is busy!) “The idea behind Police Heartbreaker was to do a real soundtrack for an anime so i have in my writing process a story, and give life to AV character.” Indeed the inspiration is clear, combining an audio representation for an AV element widens the perspective of this release. Clearly through the range of moods and progression to more downtempo and somber arrangements such as Fallen Rose, the storytelling of this character are in place. As far as inspiration goes, “I take my inspiration in some 70's music and a tend also to work on movie, as example i take a scene of a movie and design the music around. My main inspiration come from anime and sci-fi movies.”

Powerful and stating, Police Heartbreaker brings an undeniable sense of confidence and perspective for the scene. The music speaks for itself; lasting, driving and crafted with care from the ground up. At times showing the finest in synth wizardry with ridiculously sweet and mind blowing leads, to more cyclical groove based leads, the album really does have it all. Spectacular and strong percussion solidifies a strong backbone for an impressive array of moods, and this guy can execute flawlessly. Never say Au Revoir to this French professional, it’s only the beginning of a long romance with Absolute Valentine.

The album is available on Lazerdiscs Records Bandcamp page here and comes very, very highly recommended by Synthetix FM.





Dream Fiend - Starcade EP

By Lachie Hunt



An arcade in the 1980s. A boy, with a magical entity only he can see. Dream Fiend's Starcade EP is a window into a story that never was. Dream Fiend, also known as Jay Babinall, has so far released one full EP and a few singles on the side, along with a couple more remixes of other artists songs.

The title track Starcade is the standout here, with an infectious 8bit lead keeping the song groovy. The drums seem to be more trap inspired here, with pitch shifting and woodblocks thrown in to spice the song up. I've got to commend the use of samples here too, especially in the intros of the first two tracks. They help set their respective tones perfectly.

The two other songs here are more lowkey quiet affairs, with a hint of romance to them with the same lovely 808 beats drenched in reverb.

This release is currently available on Dream Fiend's Bandcamp and Soundcloud for free.





Michael Vintage - Instinct Sensuel

By Rick Shithouse



Michael Vintage's new EP caught me be surprise as it grabbed my attention instantly. The smooth and highly sensual synths in the first introductory track  reminded me a great deal of Michael Cassette's own brand of musical tenderness with shades of Klockhaus's masterpiece Tinplate Ant echoing through the bassline. The attraction was immediate and Michael Vintage's synthual vista unveiled itself before my eyes.

The soundscape that Michael Vintage uses is equal parts synth romance and nostalgic melancholy. Subtleties in layers and tones are his tools of musical exploration as his tracks slowly unwind and descend into deep mysteries. The sparseness of the mix gives a great feeling of space and intimacy, the following track after the introductory piece called 'Love Machine' pops with a small bouncy melody over the top of slow moving haunting synths pieces. The percussion has a very complimentary style to blend with the darker synth elements with a sustained presence that Michael Vintage uses throughout the pieces.

The contrast of the inquisitive and tender melodies with swirling, melancholy synths in the backgroud allows Michael Vintage to  set up a mood instantly and work in and around the feelings. He has a real skill at working the balance between lighter and darker parts of the story to ensure the music is engaging and interesting. Stripping things back in 'Our Night' to a full stop at one point really makes you hold your breath; awaiting the rest of the scene to unfold.

My favourite track on the EP is definitely 'Sea Of Pleasure'. The previous tracks, including the intro seem to build to this piece as a climactic and important stage of the story. The flow of this track is bewitchingly smooth and every little detail is sublimely mixed into the passages. But yes, that bassline is the heart and soul of the experience, it's wonderful to hear the legacies of Michael Cassette and Klockhaus reborn anew in this producer's sound. The nostalgia is thoroughly intoxicating!

The EP's over arching story of passionately intimate tristes between lovers and the whole subtext of passionate feelings well below the surface interactions. Regardless of how smutty I'd like to make this review, it really isn't. The understanding of two people's feelings are real and felt directly through the music. It's expressive and beautiful. The final two tracks of the record go deeper into the afterglow with 'Sensuel' and 'After Sex' taking the mood into a relaxed dreamstate with an enveloping warmth and sensitivity moving in electrically charged waves.

Michael Vintage's Instinct Sensuel is a truly delightful concept piece that takes the synth romance sounds into some engaging directions. The haunting and tender nature of this music works to perfection over the six tracks in detailing an intimate situation between lovers. The overwhelming power of nostalgia for me, in regards to the two artists I'd previously mentioned, coloured my opinion in a very obvious way, however, and your impressions may certainly differ. But that's what it's all about. The memory, the feelings and the places the music takes you to. Definitely an experience for lovers of every kind and denomination. Pick up a copy of this EP on Michael Vintage's Bandcamp page here.




Vampire Step-Dad - Sweater Weather

By Sarah Halloran


So, your mother brings home this new guy, and he seems okay, nice even; not like the usual losers you’ve had to tolerate. Sure, he has some odd habits - sleeps during the day, remarkably camera shy, and he says the coffin is “just...umm...for storage”. Just your average quirky guy though, right? Only you’ve seen him slip out late at night, covert, pale and alert...a man on the edge, a man in need. You’ve seen that look before. Is it hunger? You’re starting to suspect, you’re starting to wonder. Could he really be...your Vampire Step-Dad?

I just love the whole Vampire Step-Dad concept, and the imagination it stirs up. On seeing the artist name for the first time I was already thinking out day-to-day family scenarios for our paternal hero with a thing for Type-O.

Okay, onto the music. That’s why you’re here. Vampire Step-Dad is relatively new blood on the synthwave scene, and seems to have a bit of a thing for fiendish family members. His debut EP, My Biological Father is a Werewolf, was released last year and it’s wonderful. Lastest offering, Sweater Weather, boldly released in somewhat sultry June (well, for some of us anyway) is a charming yet deadly mix of darkwave, smooth synth goodness, rib-rattling basslines and even a little sax which is always welcome.

First track, aptly named ‘The Beginning’ kicks things off nicely with a playfully twinkly intro before deftly switching gear into more menacing territory with some dark and dank chords of doom. This was a strong contender for second favourite track on the album, but more of that later.

Arnie fans will no doubt appreciate the nod to ‘Commando’ with next track ‘Green Berets for Breakfast’, and it’s an absolute stunner. Vampire Step-Dad really gives Carpenter Brut a run for the money on this adrenalin-charged, power-synth and guitar-packed showpiece. This is without a doubt my favourite track on the whole EP. I’m sure many others will agree.

‘I Want the Stars’ slips things down a few notches; a beautifully arranged track combining fierce kicks with a vibrant lead synth that projects an almost sad and lonely vibe at times. There’s a lot of warmth here, but it’s slightly offset by a melancholy jaunt across the minor keys. I admit to swaying a little to this track, and had I a lighter to hand I may just have held it in the air.

The last thing you want to do when there is a vamp in town is break curfew. Seriously kids, get home before nightfall. “Breaking Curfew” is another stunning track heavy on soulful synths, and if you love sweet sax solos you’re in for a little surprise. Personally, I don’t think sax is used enough in synthwave, and so it’s always great to hear. My only niggle, and it’s only a small one, would be to hear a longer solo, but maybe it’s a teaser for things to come in the future.

If you’re a synth-loving, pedal-pumping petrolhead with a penchant for driving fast (Synthetix FM in no way endorses or encourages speeding) and you’re wondering whether Vampire Step-Dad has any tunes just for you, you betcha. ‘Ten and Two’ has everything you need for a law-abiding and enjoyable drive. Dark synth stabs, crisp, steady kicks and rolling bass will have you putting on your bestest ever mean face and chasing down the horizon (whilst obeying all road signs and speed limits along the way).

Music arrangement aside, one of the biggest challenges for a producer is thinking up new and exciting names for their tracks. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a better track name than ‘Please Jan Hammer, Don’t Hurt ‘Em’, and again it conjures up all sorts of images. In my case it was an enraged Jan holding his Moog Voyager aloft before a terrified crowd. This is most definitely my second favourite track on the entire EP. Fat synths, robust percussion and heartfelt guitar merge effortlessly into a killer track thoroughly deserving of its promising title.

So come on, loosen those collars and stick on a little ‘Sweater Weather’ this summer. Just don’t loosen them too much. You know what vamps are like when those necks are on show. ‘Sweater Weather’ comes very, very highly recommended by Synthetix FM, and is available on Bandcamp here. Oh, and there are stickers too! We do love a bit of merch here at Synthetix FM.




Engines and Engineers: Examining the Machinery Within MoTER's Omegadriver

By Michael CA L



Firmly embedded in a corner of 80's-inspired culture are images of retro-futuristic road vehicles. Sometimes these machines are driving through empty desert roads that go on for eternity towards an unreachable vanishing point in the lonely distance. Sometimes these machines are actual production cars from the eighties era, brilliantly painted or fully-chromed and cruising fast along palm-lined coastal highways in a race against the setting sun. Sometimes these machines are airborne, hurtling through the void of space towards destinations unknown and for covert purposes. Sometimes these machines are moving at blinding speeds through the stimulus-choked streets of a metropolitan gridscape, the towering skyscrapers on each side of the median blurring into a barely broken flicker as the headlight beams bounce off of the endless reflective panes of glass or halogen signage that make up the street-level scene. The scenarios (of which these are but a few) are many, but whatever the vision, the concept of The Drive is truly a central feature within the 80's-inspired visual aesthetic, and as fans of synthwave and other retro-electronic music genres will tell you, it's also a fundamental aspect found within numerous 80's-inspired sounds.

Nearing the end of 2015, a new rider cruised into Retro City with a sound, feel and demeanour that made people take notice. Hailing from Greece, the oh-so-appropriately named MoTER (aka Konstantinos Karydis) introduced himself in October of last year with a self-titled debut EP. Arriving as a relative stranger in town, within several short weeks it seemed like very few hadn't become acquainted with MoTER's sleekly produced, finely-tuned, densely-packed and all-pistons-firing model of 80's-inspired electronic music - a model that contains a levelled and measured intensity, a kinetic propulsiveness, and an edge-riding element of threat to it that instantly brings to mind the vehicular side of retro-synth and has The Drive written all over it.

MoTER has now expanded on his sound by releasing his second EP, titled Omegadriver, which retains the same compactly-assembled chassis and built-for-cruising mechanical elements that made his first offering stand out, yet this time around he brings the listener a fresh set of wheels on a body that's been overhauled with new textures, colours, curves and lines. Opting for the trimmed and compact precision of the EP format once again, the four tracks on Omegadriver each deliver a powerful, punchy dose of fuel-injected sound.

Outside the melodic and structural differences in each track, there are several attributes shared by all four that create a cohesion like that of the finest machines that own the highways and passages of the real world as well as those of our fictional retro-dreams. Dense, precise kick beats and spiking snare hits pull the tracks forward relentlessly with the force of a warp drive, and dense, overdriven basslines veer up the center lane boldly with an arching, bending intensity that clears their own space between the differing melodies and are impossible to ignore. Cruising above the undercurrents of bass, melodic stabs, crystalline bells and shimmering chimes cast vivid, high-altitude glare over the low-frequency floods of synthspace that lie below.

Like any engine that's been pushed too hard across pathways that are too risky, at pivotal moments within the tracks there are rhythmic catches, shudders and glitchy irregularities that are at once perfectly timed and beautifully, refreshingly unexpected. And like any motor that's been pushed to its limit countless times, these moments are the sonic equivalent of red-hot cylinders that have burned themselves into a state of backfire, and sound off as if to remind the driver that no thrill ride can be sustained indefinitely without moments of mechanical slippage and the reorganization of timing within the fiery machinery.

MoTER's newest EP Omegadriver is quite honestly one of the few releases I can remember where each track is so well-crafted that selecting a highlight is a serious challenge. Could it be "Cathedral", with its absolutely blistering wall-of-sound and measured, deliberate idling speed? Maybe it's "Airstrip", with its ice-winged takeoff followed by its unforgettable chorus melody? Perhaps it's one of the album's opening tracks, "Oslo" or the eponymous "Omegadriver", with their steady, arpeggio-regulated atmospheres of controlled motion through harrowing obstacle courses. Call me indecisive or call me uncertain, but don't call me indifferent, because MoTER's second release, in all its revved-up machinery, is as powerful an EP as I've heard come out of the retro-electronic scene in many years, and this artist's efforts are bringing new meaning to the term "audio engineer".

MoTER's Omegadriver comes very, very highly recommended from Synthetix.FM and is available here through the Werkstatt Recordings Bandcamp website.








Thursday, May 5, 2016

Dream Fiend's Electric Isle

By Andrew B. White


If you have been following the synthwave scene over the last year or so, Melbourne Australia’s Dream Fiend probably needs no introduction. Primarily making a name for himself with a steady handful of singles, collaborations with the likes of Mythical Vigilante, and remixes for a long list of other artists including Miami Horror, Droid Bishop, Abelard, Phantom Ride, Killstarr, Futurecop! and Diamond Field (full disclosure- that’s my artist name so maybe I’m a little biased!). Dream Fiend is also half of the group Starbound along with fellow Aussie synthwave act Killstarr.



Electric Isle is the debut EP from Dream Fiend (or maybe it’s more of a “mini album” with seven tracks and no additional remixes). The Dream Fiend sound has always centered around several core attributes: upbeat, fun, melodic and solidly produced. The self-titled lead-off track on the EP reinforces all of these traits and ‘Electric Isle’ is indeed classic Dream Fiend. Synth melodies abound over a solid rhythm section that forces you to want get up and get down. It’s the sort of track that brings on instant feelings of good times and has ‘synthwave’ written all over it.

The second track ‘Night Flight’ maintains this energy while stepping things up a notch. It features a synth lead that reminds me of ‘Valerie’-era Steve Winwood, and the song itself hints at elements from Daft Punk’s “Discovery” album. It’s a feel-good night flight. ‘Morning Light’ pulls-in the funk and features Dream Fiend on the vocals, accented by re-sampled vocal hits for a bit of an Arthur Baker ‘A-E-I-O-U’ workout.

The straight vocals are then swapped-out for a Roger Troutman talk-box on ‘My Electric Heart’ which yet again brings some Daft Punk comparisons, along with a music bed akin to Mylo (remember him?) I’m of the opinion that this track somehow sublimely manages to combine synthwave/outrun with 2000s dance floor styles. Maybe this is a new sub-genre we could call ‘vocal club OutRun’? In any case, it works.

Moving on over to the instrumental ‘Indigo’, a light funk/synth workout featuring guitar by Matt Kwid that makes a complimentary segue into ‘Joyride’ for more of the same. Both of these tracks would make for excellent video game placements or backing on an ‘80s instructional video. ’Plateau’ literally ends the album with one – a plateau of sound akin to an introduction to a song from the late ‘80s club scene – think 808 State (and you can hear the bird samples already).

Overall, like any Dream Fiend release, there is a sense of positivity here, of the enjoyment of life and good vibes through listening to music. This may sound a bit twee, but the cute and fluffy Dream Fiend “cloud guy” logo graphically represents the Dream Fiend modus operandi. The music is damn catchy, often rather funky and always expertly arranged and produced. The tracks are lush but never cluttered.

What occurred to me over the course of listening to Electric Isle is that it goes on a stylistic journey whilst retaining a cohesive sound. This is of course not uncommon within the synthwave genre – with all the varied styles that are ‘80s music, artists are often influenced across the board and combine a number of genres together, or alongside each other. My thoughts were confirmed when I asked Dream Fiend about the idea behind Electric Isle:

Dream Fiend: “Electric Isle is a concept album which is intended to take the listener on a journey to find that inner happy place. In Dream Fiend’s world, this place exists on another ‘plane of existence’ and he stumbles upon it. Dream Fiend assists humans and other lifeforms while in their dream state to ensure their dream is a delightful one.

The goal behind this EP was to try and create a body of music where each was different to the next but also felt cohesive as a group. That was the hardest challenge. In the end I took a few risks like including fusions of styles that don’t really exist yet and also throwing down my own vocals. I wasn’t sure how it would be received but I'm really glad that people can appreciate it and enjoy it!”

It seems that Electric Isle is a whistle stop on the Dream Fiend train with many other projects on the go. In addition to more Dream Fiend music, he is currently working on the Starbound album and in the process of scoring several video game soundtracks. We can expect some exciting things then. In the meantime I’m sure Electric Isle will be getting plenty of spins.

You can get the Electric Isle EP and Dream Fiend’s previous single releases on Bandcamp here in digitally downloadable formats and on iTunes and Spotify. Electric Isle comes very, very highly recommended by Synthetix.FM.





Saturday, April 16, 2016

Synthetix Sundays




Synthetix Sundays is here to save the day with another super powered episode to battle crime on the neon streets with your host, Super Marko Maric, only on Radio Pure Gently!

This week's action packed episode has Marko fighting for justice and glory side by side in interviews with Neon Nox, Dead Astronauts and Arcade High! This is the very first audio interview for Dead Astronauts so expect lots entertaining moves and plot twists! 

Marko's back up armoury is all set and ready to pounce with Paul Dress2Kill Daly, Synthetix Spotlight and Quality Time With Shithouse all prepared to unleash their firepower on the evildoers of the universe!

All this along with all the hottest tracks of the week and tonnes of giveaways this is the blockbuster event you can't afford to miss!

Tune in to Synthetix Sundays LIVE on Radio Pure Gently here, at 10pm 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:





















Sunday, June 15, 2014

Synthetix Weekend Update

Time for another rockin Weekend Update on Synthetix.FM! This week has a witnessed the beginning of the FIFA World Cup and in celebration Werkstatt Recordings has garnered a roster of quality synth talent to release a great new World Cup themed compilation titled Soccer Wave: The Road To Glory.

Not since New Order's World in Motion have synths and football been so tuned as one as the likes of Plaisance, Fixions, Foreign Blade, Shio-Z, Nitelight and many more hot rockin synth producers take to the pitch and quest for victory. You can pick up a copy of this great release on Werkstatt Recording's Bandcamp page here, so it can be your complete soundtrack to this epic sporting event.




Now get ready to take off to adventure with this week's AIRBORNE feature releases!



Sferro & Tommy - Matters Of The Heart Joining forces and enlisting even more killer talent we find Sferro & Tommy combining their magical synth magic in this great little EP. The opening title track is a sumptuous synth pop vista of luxurious 80s textures and emotions with a sultry vocal courtesy of Yota. 'Rapture' brings the dreamy melodies of Tommy into focus with arrangements given a glossy layer of Sferro synth magic. These two totally rockin tracks are accompanied by remixes of each from Cassette Club and Rex Ronan to finish off an already stellar experience in 80s inspired synth beauty.


Nemix - Electromechanical Nemix has released his debut EP which contains five tracks of high energy synth rockin that crosses genres and decades with very interesting results. Much of his melodies come across as heavily 80s influenced whilst the arrangements are engineered to maximise drama where necessary and then lull back into emotive pastures. 'Human V20' provides a delicately pieced together work of Synth Romance while still keeping a very modern/futuristic technological vibe, which is very intriguing. Stand out tracks also include the totally rockin 'City 2084' and 'Forbidden
Labs' which sounds like it should be on a Castlevania soundtrack.


Manolis - At My/Her Place Manolis is back with a superb new two track release that is a wonderfully explored concept in Synth Romance intimacy. At My/Her Place is a two track affair exploring synthual relationships in different environments between two people. The differences in being with the same person in differing spaces is beautifully illustrated via Manolis's incredible musical talent. Subtlety and understatement allow for wonderfully tender moments through both beautifully constructed tracks.  A stunning release and a shining example of a simple concept given immense depth.

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Kicking off this week's Weekend Update tracks is Cobra Copter who's rockin some serious action in his latest track 'Ultimate Ninja'. The stealthily understated  opening chapters lead into full silent assassin overkill with great progressions and a lead refrain that is full of synth ninja magic. I'm sure Godfrey Ho would be proud to have this piece on a soundtrack to any of his superb ninja cinema masterpieces.




I'm becoming more and more impressed by the work of Alter Sun of late. His latest track really rocks some quality 80s vibes and with equal portions of Paul Hardcastle and Harold Faltermeyer combining into a feel good holiday vibe full of bright colours and warm sunshine.




Coming in right on track for the my next feature mixtape for International Boombox Day (more on this next week) is the great new electro rockin piece from Pulse 80 titled 'Sweet Groove'. Huge percussion highlights right on point 80s melodies in a jam that's sure to make your woofers wallop and your tweeters twitch. Currently available for FREE download via the link in the player.




A new rocker for Synthetix.FM now with Tetrahominoid and his totally kick arse track 'Convoy'. The electro rockin is turned up to maximum in this track with a chorus that is catchy far beyond the legal limits. Kick arse work and I hope to cover more Tetrahominoid tracks on here in the future.




It's great to have Dream Fiend rockin a kick arse new original tune with 'Lockdown' this week. The melodic journey this tracks takes the listener on is stunningly detailed and full of lush 80s sounds and produced with a sparkling coat of neon gloss.




There is definitely ardor in the air this week as yet another stunning Synth Romance track this time from Mooginizer and his wonderfully constructed piece 'Take Her Home'. The music moves through some intriguing chapters as Mooginizer really makes the percussion work in extraordinary ways to highlight the magic of the lead melody. Currently available for FREE download, get on it ASAP.




Another piece of music that is stunningly assembled is the new track from The Northern Lights going by the name of 'Indigos'. The presence created is immense and full of emotional nuance. There is a tactile mix of power and delicacy that is breathtaking. A wonderfully involving piece of music.




Steve Moore is a legend of 80s inspired synth music and it's fantastic that his stature has been recognised by Capcom as he's contributed kick arse music for the just released Dead Rising 3 DLC pack, extravagantly titled Super Ultra Dead Rising 3 Arcade Remix Hyper Edition EX + Alpha which brings a tonne of revered Capcom character designs into the Dead Rising universe. This track is currently available for FREE download, also.




RF Extreme's brand of emotive synthual pleasures is one I'm always excited to partake in another slice of and with 'Path Unknown' those sweetly delicious flavours are once again baked to perfection and iced with dreamy neon colours. The journey is deep and enriching and swells with great beauty.




Although it's policy on Synthetix.FM that i don't cover preview/demo tracks (I'd much prefer to wait until they are fully completed to give them proper exposure) I couldn't resist including the latest track by one my of favourite new producers of 2014, the ever impressive Sebastian Gampl with 'Chicago'. Though listed as a 'teaser' I'm not sure how else this wonderful piece of music will evolve as it is incredibly impressive as it stands. The best news is that Sebastian Gampl will be a releasing an album before the year's end so I figure this track (and his also rockin 'Freedom Fighter' track) might be the last time we get to hear from him for a while.




Robert Parker's really got the creative juices flowing this week with another great electro breakin' synth odyssey for your delectation. 'Spin' is full of nods to classic breakdance music while glowing with that beautiful Robert Parker magic. This is also available currently for FREE download too.




Fantastisizer is back with a hot new track titled 'Mirror Of You'. Haunting melodies providing an hypnotic and spacious synthscape that creates a hazy, dreamlike vision. The focus of the melody remains unchanged throughout but it's the atmospheres that are adapted and eventually brought to stunningly climactic final chapter that make the experience magical.




Myrone continues to redefine my love for 80s inspired synth music as he once again rocks harder than melonfarmer in his latest guitar and synth extravaganza: 'Heating Up'. This explosive, high octane thrill ride is packed with shredding, wailing, ripping and rockin all night long. Available for FREE download you NEED this piece of music in your life as loud and as often as possible. Be sure to check out Myrone's collaborative work with Max LeRoy, 'That's It Man' also released this week as a FREE track.




A live action fan project to make an accurate live-action version of AKIRA has secured the ever rockin Le Matos to make the soundtrack as rad as possible. 'Kiyoko' is a track to be featured in this project (which you can get sneak peak of here) and is a quality blend of classic 80s sounds and modern arrangements done in that classic Le Matos style. It's definitely the perfect audio accompaniment for the visuals, that's for sure. I'm certainly looking forward to how this project evolves as, like many of you reading this, I'm a huge fan of the original AKIRA animation.





This weeks feature video is for the long awaited new record from Mitch Murder. Synthetix.FM is officially on the hype train for this release as full length Mitch Murder experiences are always created with the highest calibre weaponry available and polished to a mirror finish. We've been promised physical copies of this album courtesy of Mad Decent including a vinyl release, which will definitely be making one of my long-term 80s inspired synth dreams come true. The album is due out the end of July, so expect more news and full coverage of the release as it gets closer, for now this beautifully animated album trailer for Interceptor will have to suffice.




That does us for another Weekend Update on Synthetix.FM. I'll be back during the week along with Kasia for more musical explorations in the world of 80s inspired synth music.

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