By Rick Shithouse
Australia's own Strike Force 88, or Electric Dissection as he was previously known, has been creating vintage synth sounds for years now, with my first coverage of his work on Synthetix.FM going back to March 2013. In the time since he's undergone the name change and has subtly changed and evolved his style along the way.
An ardent devotee of the early days of mid 70s synth sounds this producer has created some of the most accurate reimaginings of this first wave of the new electronic sounds in his new record, Heartbreak. The channelling of the likes of Jarre, Oldfield, Vangelis and (Strike Force 88 favourite) Tangerine Dream results in an aural time machine that replicates the emotive strains of a time when synthesizers were completely brand new.
Strike Force 88 uses synths in different ways to much of the 80s inspired synth producers as the synthscape is often kept to one single 'voice' that sings the melodies. The synth is never a tool to create melody but is instead a conduit to share emotional experiences through sound. The music is played from the heart directly to the listener and through the barren and sparse stories one is given full focus to the performance narrative.
In an age where huge amount of layers, tracks and effects are the norm there is something very clean and refreshing when engaging in this work. The simplistic percussion, the understated basslines and the huge focus on the lead synth makes for something incredibly personal and deep. As they say in the classics (and on Synthetix Sundays!) less is often more and in this case it rings true in every chapter of Heartbreak.
The implementation of such vintage production techniques means the listener is told the stories of this failed romance through quivering chords, melancholy passages and reflective melodies. The tracks vary hugely in their make up and direction but the undercurrents of the broken heart are an inescapable undertow lurking beneath the apparently calm surface. The uneasy brightness of the opening piece, 'Mindscapes' sets a great scene for the impending relationship demise. Synths whisper doubts amid the crashing thunder and bitterness begins to stain the atmosphere.
Through 'Isolation' and 'Being Watched' the feelings become tangible. Lonely melodies struggle to find meaning and question the situation without any answers forthcoming. 'Being Watched' is such a bittersweet affair as the synths cry out for heartfelt resolution, with no one there to hear them. It's stunningly involving, the disdain and feeling of loss is hard to watch.
The album moves into even more contemplative and self exploratory passages in 'Confusion' and the panic of 'Vibrations'. The imploring synths ask for explanations, the passages go deeper and deeper, replaying memories in our minds over and over again. By the time we actually get to 'Heartbreak' the raw nerve is exposed into incredibly beautiful synth melodies, wrought with frustration and utterly exhausted. The emotional collapse is the final petal falling from the once vividly colourful flower, fading into a monochromatic memory then crushed by a tear stained fist.
The fist clenches tighter in 'Darkest Night' as Strike Force 88 reaches his tether's end and unleashes a furious outburst of pent up hate into the expanses of the night. The melodies threaten to break under the weight of the hatred but there is a final coming to terms with the situation though even this offers little solace. 'Catastrophe' becomes an aftermath of sorts, a surveying of what we emotionally have left, what is left to build upon and what has become too scarred to ever heal properly again.
The final track, 'Mixed Feelings', finally allows a sliver of hope to be considered amongst the broken and fractured emotions we've been left deal with. That sliver of hope, the hope of new love, one day, becomes brighter as the synths caress our soul like a fresh breeze. Breathing deeply, it's time to move on.
Strike Force 88 presents the Heartbreak album on his Bandcamp page here in the usual array of digitally downloadable formats. This record is so profound in its emotional investment and the medium is so befitting of this heartbreaking story that you are taken entirely into Strike Force 88's painful experience, sometimes experiencing his pain first hand and often being asked questions that none of us have answers to.
The final act provides just enough hope to balance out the distressingly dark aspects of the rest of the album and gives a satisfying conclusion to the story. This album will not be for everyone. One must open one's heart and imagination to this record to fully experience all it has to offer and I highly advise you do as Strike Force 88's Heartbreak comes very, very highly recommended from Synthetix.FM.
Showing posts with label Electric Dissection. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Electric Dissection. Show all posts
Thursday, July 16, 2015
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Synthetix Weekend Update
The storm of releases keeps building on the horizon as we get closer to the end of March, and already we're feeling the first splashes of rain on our skin before the torrential downpour of music engulfs all in it's path. Let us enjoy this week's Weekend Update with the gentle breeze and mild precipitation before the storm of rockin new releases hits.
Vector Hold keeps on rockin hard and his new track Deep Undercover 1985 is a totally rad Faltermeyer-esque piece of stealthy nocturnal work that is full of danger around every shadowed corner. Be sure to grab a copy of this as it's currently available for FREE download.
Neon Workout is kicking mucho derriere with a new jam called Don't Cry Tonight. This producer varies his styles for nearly each new track but there is always the 80s love hiding beneath the modern veneer. This new track is a superb piece of crossover with a modern arrangement combined with a great deal of 80s love in the melodies. Also available right now for FREE download!
Amazing Police is fast becoming a genuine force to be reckoned with in the 80s inspired synth scene. After the stunning White Tape and Moroder-Einstein Theorem tracks he's now released the jaw-droppingly epic Circa 1984. Beautifully arranged elements and sounds combine in a vista of totally entrancing synth work. Shades of StarDonE are present in the experience too, which only adds to the wonder.
Another producer who's craft is being honed very nicely is Vestron Vulture. His new track, Beach Babes From Beyond, is totally rockin mix of italo and videogame sounds that are full of energy and authentic melodies. Vestron Vulture's sounds are distilling into an individualised mixture of influences
that are really demanding one's attention. Be sure to download it while it's still FREE.
The totally rock hard Betamaxx is releasing a steady stream of radical 80s sounds through 2013 and his new adventure, Maxximum is yet another killer track. I love the energy of this, the synth leads are dazzling in delivery and the percussion is a cacophony of stunning 80s love.
Electric Disection's brand of soundtrack styled synth work is expanding into new colours and shapes with his latest work, the aptly titled, Metamorphosis. The melodies are still of a deliberately paced soundtrack nature but the style has been engineered with a more energetic percussive track. I adore how this piece evolves and forms it's own destiny. Beautiful music, that is currently available for FREE download as well.
Flash Arnold's totally killing it with his marvellously inspired track Dorsia. American Psycho is one of my favourite comedies of all time and whenever samples are used from it I can't help but fall in love with the music as well. Flash Arnold once again proves he's one of the true 'leaders of the new school' with a catchy and perfectly arranged experience in quality 80s sounds.
A short little gem from Mulperi caught my attention this week. Entitled Time, and only shared in a short preview format this track is just stunning in it's staccato timing and synth brilliance. The tones and textures of this track are absolutely rockin to the max, I can't wait for the full version, that's for sure.
Synth terror merchant, Gost, unleashed an amazing new work in the field of dark synth brutality with the enigmatically titled piece 4th. The music is the essence of darkness with a churning bassline and violent orchestral stabs that go straight for the vital organs. Frightening beyond your worst nightmares and terrifying beyond the harshest realities!
Moving into brighter atmospheres is marvellous new track from Droid Bishop titled Galaxy:Unknown.
This composition is full of light and emotion and introspective melodies that ethereally manifest before the listener. Incredibly beautiful in arrangement and execution. Many thanks to Tommy for discovering and sharing this exciting new producer and be sure to grab your own copy of this grandiose work while it's up on soundcloud for FREE download.
Another FREE track to make sure you add to your collection is the new single from Let Em Riot: I Know. Let Em Riot's sounds lean more towards modern arrangements and sounds but a soul of the 80s beats beneath the current trappings. This piece of glossy synth pop is definitely anchored in the 80s and synths work throughout the song majestically.
Alpha Boy has taken off to the stars with his new track Sound Trek. This sci fi flavoured journey adds are wonderful new lustre to the Alpha Boy sound with an undeniable space-disco thematic that is very engaging. I love the aesthetic of this piece and I hope the stars prove to be a destination in the future for Alpha Boy.
Jaypeau and Toeknee are fast becoming another force to be reckoned with the 80s inspired synth scene. Their amazing track Thrasher has a new companion with Blood Drops. There's a great deal going on with this track that comes out over multiple listens. The arrangements are packed with details and nuances that create a crescendo of uplifting magic. I predict that 2013 is going to be a monster year for these guys.
On the cusp of releasing his massively promising new High Fidelity EP in April, Tommy has shared a stand alone track in preparation. Odyssée is a smoothly entrancing ambient work that bends and morphs with a light and colour all it's own. Beautiful in melody and languid in pace the music's skewed pitch is as inquisitive as it is engaging. Also currently available for FREE download, so grab it while you can.
That wraps it up for another rockin Weekend Update on Synthetix.FM. I look forward to spending more quality time with you next week as we explore more of the wonderful music in the 80s inspired synth scene. 'Til then, stay 80s and keep on rockin.
Vector Hold keeps on rockin hard and his new track Deep Undercover 1985 is a totally rad Faltermeyer-esque piece of stealthy nocturnal work that is full of danger around every shadowed corner. Be sure to grab a copy of this as it's currently available for FREE download.
Neon Workout is kicking mucho derriere with a new jam called Don't Cry Tonight. This producer varies his styles for nearly each new track but there is always the 80s love hiding beneath the modern veneer. This new track is a superb piece of crossover with a modern arrangement combined with a great deal of 80s love in the melodies. Also available right now for FREE download!
Amazing Police is fast becoming a genuine force to be reckoned with in the 80s inspired synth scene. After the stunning White Tape and Moroder-Einstein Theorem tracks he's now released the jaw-droppingly epic Circa 1984. Beautifully arranged elements and sounds combine in a vista of totally entrancing synth work. Shades of StarDonE are present in the experience too, which only adds to the wonder.
Another producer who's craft is being honed very nicely is Vestron Vulture. His new track, Beach Babes From Beyond, is totally rockin mix of italo and videogame sounds that are full of energy and authentic melodies. Vestron Vulture's sounds are distilling into an individualised mixture of influences
that are really demanding one's attention. Be sure to download it while it's still FREE.
The totally rock hard Betamaxx is releasing a steady stream of radical 80s sounds through 2013 and his new adventure, Maxximum is yet another killer track. I love the energy of this, the synth leads are dazzling in delivery and the percussion is a cacophony of stunning 80s love.
Electric Disection's brand of soundtrack styled synth work is expanding into new colours and shapes with his latest work, the aptly titled, Metamorphosis. The melodies are still of a deliberately paced soundtrack nature but the style has been engineered with a more energetic percussive track. I adore how this piece evolves and forms it's own destiny. Beautiful music, that is currently available for FREE download as well.
Flash Arnold's totally killing it with his marvellously inspired track Dorsia. American Psycho is one of my favourite comedies of all time and whenever samples are used from it I can't help but fall in love with the music as well. Flash Arnold once again proves he's one of the true 'leaders of the new school' with a catchy and perfectly arranged experience in quality 80s sounds.
A short little gem from Mulperi caught my attention this week. Entitled Time, and only shared in a short preview format this track is just stunning in it's staccato timing and synth brilliance. The tones and textures of this track are absolutely rockin to the max, I can't wait for the full version, that's for sure.
Synth terror merchant, Gost, unleashed an amazing new work in the field of dark synth brutality with the enigmatically titled piece 4th. The music is the essence of darkness with a churning bassline and violent orchestral stabs that go straight for the vital organs. Frightening beyond your worst nightmares and terrifying beyond the harshest realities!
Moving into brighter atmospheres is marvellous new track from Droid Bishop titled Galaxy:Unknown.
This composition is full of light and emotion and introspective melodies that ethereally manifest before the listener. Incredibly beautiful in arrangement and execution. Many thanks to Tommy for discovering and sharing this exciting new producer and be sure to grab your own copy of this grandiose work while it's up on soundcloud for FREE download.
Another FREE track to make sure you add to your collection is the new single from Let Em Riot: I Know. Let Em Riot's sounds lean more towards modern arrangements and sounds but a soul of the 80s beats beneath the current trappings. This piece of glossy synth pop is definitely anchored in the 80s and synths work throughout the song majestically.
Alpha Boy has taken off to the stars with his new track Sound Trek. This sci fi flavoured journey adds are wonderful new lustre to the Alpha Boy sound with an undeniable space-disco thematic that is very engaging. I love the aesthetic of this piece and I hope the stars prove to be a destination in the future for Alpha Boy.
Jaypeau and Toeknee are fast becoming another force to be reckoned with the 80s inspired synth scene. Their amazing track Thrasher has a new companion with Blood Drops. There's a great deal going on with this track that comes out over multiple listens. The arrangements are packed with details and nuances that create a crescendo of uplifting magic. I predict that 2013 is going to be a monster year for these guys.
On the cusp of releasing his massively promising new High Fidelity EP in April, Tommy has shared a stand alone track in preparation. Odyssée is a smoothly entrancing ambient work that bends and morphs with a light and colour all it's own. Beautiful in melody and languid in pace the music's skewed pitch is as inquisitive as it is engaging. Also currently available for FREE download, so grab it while you can.
That wraps it up for another rockin Weekend Update on Synthetix.FM. I look forward to spending more quality time with you next week as we explore more of the wonderful music in the 80s inspired synth scene. 'Til then, stay 80s and keep on rockin.
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Synthetix Weekend Update
Yet another week full of lovingly grown music has resulted in bumper crop in the 80s inspired synth scene. Hot new releases from regular mainstays, new talent and even some old favourites returning to the fray. Press play on tape, turn the volume up to maximum rockin and lets get radical with the weekend on Synthetix.FM!
An inspiring new Australian face in the 80s inspired synth scene going by the name of Electric Dissection has arrived. The main inspiration for this producer's work is Tangerine Dream and his track Endless Summer really recreate the classic soundtrack synth vibe. Excellent instrumentation and stunning arrangements make this one hell of a ride.
Keeping to the soundtrack theme Protector 101 has shared a new track that was destined to go on his new EP, but has decided to make it a stand-alone piece. 'Back Alleys' resonates with beautifully flowing synths that take on frightening personalities. The midpoint change leads to an explosion of energy and terror constructed with that Protector 101 magic we always love to be scared by. Get this FREE download before it gets YOU!
Silenx is back and rocking a delightfully somber aesthetic on his track Connections. Melodies are deeply emotive and tenderly arranged by threads of gossamer. "Connections" feels like a love letter to someone no longer in our lives, casting a line of hope into the seas of regret, hoping and yearning for that tug at our heartstrings to be from the one we need the most.
Time to break in the electro funk brilliance of Amazing Police's new masterpiece Moroder-Einstein Theorem. The energy of this track is stunning to behold with a soundscape that crosses line after line in a genre defying manner that keeps the listener riveted to the spot. This track evolves at a startling rate and feels like about four songs in one. Totally rockin to the max.
Alpha Boy is back with a new experience with his OutRun themed Downtown Chase. I really like where Alpha Boy is going with his music. Since his work with J-F Conrad his music is pushing more boundaries and achieving a level of refinement in his sounds and concepts. 'Downtown Chase' is still classic Alpha Boy, loaded with his sonic hallmarks but also has some new, fresh elements that work into the soundscape very well indeed.
The always rockin Action Jackson has shared his classic track Come In Action and new experience Vice to celebrate the opening of his soundcloud page. Come In Action was on the original release of Testarossa, but not on the current one on Bandcamp. I'm not sure what the story is there, but the main thing is you get experience now as Come In Action is one of Action Jacksons finest jams. The lead melody is this track is so strong it almost knocks you down with it's power. Arranged in in such a manner to accentuate the majesty of the lead melody even further this creates a spectacular synthual experience. This track is currently FREE so get it and rock it ASAP. The bouncy and vibrant Vice track is also available for FREE download on his soundcloud so make sure you grab these two killers and follow him on soundcloud here for more Action Jackson action.
Two killer new demos from Lost Years began their musical evolution this week. Amplifier and Park Avenue 1989 are both very promising at this early stage. Park Avenue 1989 is tinged with a moroseness that is highlighted by bright delicate synths. Very emotive in it's construction but full of wonder and exploration. Check out Lost Years soundcloud for the first totally rockin demo cut of his track Amplifier here.
Starion is back with his cosmic synthscapes and deepspace disco with a track called Moonbase Alpha. Once again we're taken into the electric cosmos on an adventure full of intrigue. Melodies are pure italo gold and the basslines are totally rockin the solar system the whole way through. Definitely one of Starion's greatest and most complete tracks thus far.
Launching into the darker regions of space is Like Mowrey's new cosmic dirge Heliopolis. The music is solemnly executed with an hypnotic pace that introduces soaring synths and brightening stars before becoming a looming nebula of celestial energies. The layering is marvellous to behold throughout the final part of the journey, resulting in a very memorable journey through Heliopolis.
80s inspired synth scene pioneer Sferro has finally returned to what he does best with a teaser from his new release High Tech Low Life. Sferro still retains the wonderful magic present in his early work with fathomless emotion powering the melodies and instrumentation that fills the senses. To say I'm really looking forward to his Wetware Computer EP release is hugley vast understatement.
Glass Mirrors is really upping the ante with each new track and his latest work 8-Bit Girl is some absolutely stunning synth pop with lots of quality 80s sounds and moods. I love the vocal track to this, it's thoroughly authentic and the lyrics are totally rockin. Not your traditional modern synth pop melodies in this piece, but Glass Mirrors makes the experience, samples and all, work magnificently.
There are a few artists around who really define some of the 80s inpired synth genres and with his new release (of an old track, mind) I now dub Rain Sword to be THE defining artist for the synth romance genre. 'Dreamer' contains so much emotional brightness and pure saturation of colours that it's impossible not to be dazzled by its presence. I believe the sounds he uses in this genre are peerless and really capture the experiences and emotions of teen love in the 80s. Currently available for FREE download too!
Let's finish up this weekend's Weekend Update with another return from an old favourite. Chmmr is one of the few artists in the scene that can capture the 80s synth naivete with complete sincerity and authenticity. His new track Talking English is a superb exponent of this with a beautiful free form arrangement and melodies that are taken directly from the early to mid 80s. Absolutely k-rad to the max.
That does it for another kick arse week on Synthetix.FM. I hope to see you soon for more good times and great rock'n'roll. Till then, as always, remember to stay 80s and keep on rockin.
An inspiring new Australian face in the 80s inspired synth scene going by the name of Electric Dissection has arrived. The main inspiration for this producer's work is Tangerine Dream and his track Endless Summer really recreate the classic soundtrack synth vibe. Excellent instrumentation and stunning arrangements make this one hell of a ride.
Keeping to the soundtrack theme Protector 101 has shared a new track that was destined to go on his new EP, but has decided to make it a stand-alone piece. 'Back Alleys' resonates with beautifully flowing synths that take on frightening personalities. The midpoint change leads to an explosion of energy and terror constructed with that Protector 101 magic we always love to be scared by. Get this FREE download before it gets YOU!
Silenx is back and rocking a delightfully somber aesthetic on his track Connections. Melodies are deeply emotive and tenderly arranged by threads of gossamer. "Connections" feels like a love letter to someone no longer in our lives, casting a line of hope into the seas of regret, hoping and yearning for that tug at our heartstrings to be from the one we need the most.
Time to break in the electro funk brilliance of Amazing Police's new masterpiece Moroder-Einstein Theorem. The energy of this track is stunning to behold with a soundscape that crosses line after line in a genre defying manner that keeps the listener riveted to the spot. This track evolves at a startling rate and feels like about four songs in one. Totally rockin to the max.
Alpha Boy is back with a new experience with his OutRun themed Downtown Chase. I really like where Alpha Boy is going with his music. Since his work with J-F Conrad his music is pushing more boundaries and achieving a level of refinement in his sounds and concepts. 'Downtown Chase' is still classic Alpha Boy, loaded with his sonic hallmarks but also has some new, fresh elements that work into the soundscape very well indeed.
The always rockin Action Jackson has shared his classic track Come In Action and new experience Vice to celebrate the opening of his soundcloud page. Come In Action was on the original release of Testarossa, but not on the current one on Bandcamp. I'm not sure what the story is there, but the main thing is you get experience now as Come In Action is one of Action Jacksons finest jams. The lead melody is this track is so strong it almost knocks you down with it's power. Arranged in in such a manner to accentuate the majesty of the lead melody even further this creates a spectacular synthual experience. This track is currently FREE so get it and rock it ASAP. The bouncy and vibrant Vice track is also available for FREE download on his soundcloud so make sure you grab these two killers and follow him on soundcloud here for more Action Jackson action.
Two killer new demos from Lost Years began their musical evolution this week. Amplifier and Park Avenue 1989 are both very promising at this early stage. Park Avenue 1989 is tinged with a moroseness that is highlighted by bright delicate synths. Very emotive in it's construction but full of wonder and exploration. Check out Lost Years soundcloud for the first totally rockin demo cut of his track Amplifier here.
Starion is back with his cosmic synthscapes and deepspace disco with a track called Moonbase Alpha. Once again we're taken into the electric cosmos on an adventure full of intrigue. Melodies are pure italo gold and the basslines are totally rockin the solar system the whole way through. Definitely one of Starion's greatest and most complete tracks thus far.
Launching into the darker regions of space is Like Mowrey's new cosmic dirge Heliopolis. The music is solemnly executed with an hypnotic pace that introduces soaring synths and brightening stars before becoming a looming nebula of celestial energies. The layering is marvellous to behold throughout the final part of the journey, resulting in a very memorable journey through Heliopolis.
80s inspired synth scene pioneer Sferro has finally returned to what he does best with a teaser from his new release High Tech Low Life. Sferro still retains the wonderful magic present in his early work with fathomless emotion powering the melodies and instrumentation that fills the senses. To say I'm really looking forward to his Wetware Computer EP release is hugley vast understatement.
Glass Mirrors is really upping the ante with each new track and his latest work 8-Bit Girl is some absolutely stunning synth pop with lots of quality 80s sounds and moods. I love the vocal track to this, it's thoroughly authentic and the lyrics are totally rockin. Not your traditional modern synth pop melodies in this piece, but Glass Mirrors makes the experience, samples and all, work magnificently.
There are a few artists around who really define some of the 80s inpired synth genres and with his new release (of an old track, mind) I now dub Rain Sword to be THE defining artist for the synth romance genre. 'Dreamer' contains so much emotional brightness and pure saturation of colours that it's impossible not to be dazzled by its presence. I believe the sounds he uses in this genre are peerless and really capture the experiences and emotions of teen love in the 80s. Currently available for FREE download too!
Let's finish up this weekend's Weekend Update with another return from an old favourite. Chmmr is one of the few artists in the scene that can capture the 80s synth naivete with complete sincerity and authenticity. His new track Talking English is a superb exponent of this with a beautiful free form arrangement and melodies that are taken directly from the early to mid 80s. Absolutely k-rad to the max.
That does it for another kick arse week on Synthetix.FM. I hope to see you soon for more good times and great rock'n'roll. Till then, as always, remember to stay 80s and keep on rockin.
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