Evanton Are Highway Lovers

By Jazzi Marzcat

Evanton is a duo from Athens, Greece that has been on the synthwave scene for some time now.  Formed by Evangelos Zacharopoulos, and Anton Manetas (notice how they cleverly combine their fist names to form their group name!), who are both producers in electronic music, and each bring their own expertise to the group's creations, mixing up Italo disco and funky beats.  As Evan told me: ". . . (the songs) reflect our constant love for 80s electronic/italio/p-funk and the classic italio disco sound!"

 I first discovered Evanton several months ago with their songs 'Living in the 80s', and 'Beverly Hills Pop', and after falling in love with their dreamy synth melodies, and funky dance beats, I always looked forward to their releases.  Highway Lovers is the ninth album to be released by Evanton, quite a feat  not only in quantity of music, but also does not fail in quality.  Listening to this album, I felt that there was a concept behind it.  Being influenced by the album's title, and it's cover showing the blurred lines of headlights, and tail lights, I felt that it must be about tales from, and of the road.  I asked Evan about this, and he replied, "Like all our previous albums, Highway Lovers is more a collection of tunes released before as singles/EPs or simply uploaded on our Soundcloud than a concept album. However most of the tracks included represent our aspect of the outrun genre and we think they really fit with the title and the aesthetic of the album."  Although I still couldn't get the road out of my mind, I started my journey on a synthwave road trip.



The title track 'Highway Lovers' begins this journey.  Like a love affair for adventure, the song starts with a thumping bass drum, and a delicate melody teasingly enticing you to come join it for a ride.  As soon as you get in, a road traveling rhythmic bass keeps a luscious italio disco beat.  A synth melody flashes along with a spacey guitar lead, like passing lights on night time drive.  Three minutes into the song, the bass drops out, and a light percussion with the melody soar to immortalize a drift in that moment of time. The bass, beat and melody all return with much more vigor, and  carries you to the end of your ride, only to leave you craving for another spin!  A very catchy and delightful tune to remember a drive through the night with!

'Jet Set Punks' takes on a more serious tone.  A fat bass shows who's boss and takes control, while a snare drum keeps the beat, much like a defiant punk. An outrun melody gives the song a certain degree of intensity.  I really liked how a spacey synth guitar leads through the song, with echoing moments that take your aspirations high.  A commanding song indeed! Can't help but walk with attitude with this song!

Rev those engines on your Teterrossa!  The third song, 'Rockers Lane', goes into full OutRun racing mode!  Maintaining the fat bass from the previous song, it is much more faster now.  So fast, it sounds like the notes are literally colliding into each other!  Besides the beat pumping the intensity level into heart stopping gear, a harsh synth chord hits in, and keeps you alert and awake!  Before looking at the video for this on YouTube, (which Evanton has it's own channel and features a number of videos for their songs here), I couldn't help but think of cars racing through the empty streets of the city at night.  Sure enough, the video shows a heart stopping chase scene from Miami Vice. You can catch that video here). Every now and then there is a cool ping, like that from video games, which gave me a smile through all this intensity.  I really loved the increased tempo for the outro, ending with dueling spacey guitar duets.  A really exciting song, sure to keep you on your feet!

After that adventure, it's time to chill, and what a better way to chill than to hang out with a group of break dancers! Pull out your boomboxes, and pieces of flattened cardboard.  We're being introduced to the 'Beat Freaks', as the robotic voices call out in the intro of this song by the same name.  Synths swirl, and a funky bass keeps the grooviness going.  Unique percussions sound like garbage can lids clashing, adding more to the sense of being out on the city streets!  The percussion is also very reminiscent of Art of Noise's song 'Close (To the Edit)'.  There's also a chord strike at the 2 minute mark that I'd say is not exactly similar to New Order's sound, found in it's song 'Bizarre Love Triangle', but it's enough to give this fangirl of 80s new wave a thrill!  It's probably no surprise that these bands could have influenced the song, and more of Evanton's music, as they does gives thanks to these two bands, and more, on their Bandcamp page. I also loved the variety of synths used to build up the melody, much like a kaleidoscope; bringing out lots of color to the song.  Much like the breakdancers spinning on their mats in colorful 80s fashions.  There's an awesome remix of this song that Evanton offers as a free download here on soundcloud.  I have to say, that 'Beat Freaks' is easily my favourite on the album.

'Taking Me Higher' continues the funkiness!  Slowed down this time, this song has more flashy, thumping bass.  The breakdancers have picked up their boomboxes and are headed uptown. Taking it easy with this synth melody, we're sauntering uptown, to see all the glitz and glam.  Robotic voices echo through out the song, giving it quite the surreal feel.  Even the melody's synth elements have a magical feel to them, and has just a hint of a slowed down version of the melody of Daft Punk's 'Around the World'.  A sparkly kind of song, but with a beat that exudes confidence. Lots of fun!

During these travels, true love is found, and it's decided that the only choice is to run away together.  The tempo shoots way up, and chase is underway for the track 'Young Hearts Theme'.  Fast snare drums keep beat as a fast light bass carries through the playful melody.  At an OutRun track's pace, it brings up images of young lovers, trying to run away to be free of whatever obstacles are trying to get in the way of their desire to be together.  Evanton even has a video for the song with a pic of a nice red Testarossa.  (Hey if you're going to runaway, you might as well do it in style!) A rather short, but very light and airy, feel good track.  May those young lovers who believe nothing will get in the way of their happiness have their day in the sun.

And out into the sun we go.  'Mediterraneo' slows down the pace again, this time into a more softer tone.  I felt this song was a bit of a departure from the rest of the album, as it seems to take a break from the road.  A sweet gentle melody gets the song started, followed by a seductively thumping bass, bringing it into a gorgeous italio disco beat.  A nice break in the middle of the song really showcases the melody, much like the sun glistening on the Mediterranean Sea.  A song to remind you that it's good to take a break every now and then from the race of life, and just soak in the beauty of the world around you.  A very pleasing, and relaxing track!

Closing out this journey, the beat jumps back up, for 'Hot Summer Nights'.  Starting off kind of spacey, with sparkly synths and pretty arpeggios, the bass comes in, and keeps a unique beat that slides between Italo disco and hip hop.  Right there this song is promising a lot of variety, not unlike how many summer nights usually do.  The centre break of the song really takes advantages of this, pulling back on the bass, but then a roar is heard, much like a car racing by, (or a ship launching?), followed by more sparkly, alien like synths.  Can't help but think, even though our journey on the road has come to an end, a new, perhaps extraterrestrial journey has now begun!  Well, even if you don't come away with the thought, it's still a fun song indeed.

Evanton present Highway Lovers on Bandcamp, iTunes, and now Amazon. It's a very enjoyable album, and offers a lot to stay on the dance floor, whether you're going to whip it out Italo disco style, make a spin on the street, or break it down doing the robot.  It also goes without saying that it's a great album to bring on the road, and take a drive with.  The songs pack a lot of attitude, and with the influences of 80s beats, and alluring synth melodies, Evanton's music an exceptional example of all there is to love of synthwave music. A very, very highly recommended album from Synthetix.FM!

Synthetix Weekend Update

Welcome back to another synthtastic Weekend Update on Synthetix.FM. Some news first up as Mike 'Who Ha' Mendoza is releasing a new issue of Retro Promenade on April 1st featuring among other interviews and reviews a very interesting panel style discussion I've taken part of. I'm sure Mike wants to keep it all under wraps until the launch, but please head on over to the Retro Promenade Facebook page and follow super rockin project. I'll hopefully be part of next week's episode of Synthwave Sundays with Marko Maric with any luck too, make sure you tune into this very rockin show every week for lots of hot tunes and great interviews with all the scene's raddest talent.

Now it's time take take off with this week's Weekend Update, so pull back the throttle and get AIRBORNE!


AIRBORNE This Week

Foreign Blade - Foreign Blade EP - The first EP from Foreign Blade has been unleashed and this five track EP is full of tension and drama with refined soundtrack synth tunes breaking into high energy synth explosions. The canvas Foreign Blade creates on is expansive and full of beautiful melodies and futuristic aesthetics.


Jon Of The Shred - Circuit Board Lunacy - Rockin the retro action with guitar driven synth suites is the hot new release from Jon Of The Shred. This artist continues his path of 80s enlightenment over an eight track album that contains nods to many classic horror and sci fi soundtracks while his trademark riffs and solos slice and dice with rocktacular power. Jon's combination of synths strings and guitars is something not for the faint of heart and creates an atmosphere most unlike anything else.


Evanton - Feels Right - The Italo Electro stylings of Evanton are back with a vengeance in their latest release Feels Right. The structure are painted with neon pinks and magentas as vibrant break beats and disco melodies mix with a robotic futurism. The nine tracks cover some bolder new territory for the duo, especially on 'Penthouse Funk' and the electro breakin' rampage of 'In The Subway (Main Mix).


Cougar Synth - 2013 - My own love for Cougar Synth's magnificent Synth Romance sounds grows with every new track they release and this week they've released an album compiling all their work from 2013 into one package. There are so many favourites in here, it's a wonderful reflection on their musical journey thus far and should be in every 80s synth lover's music collection.

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First rocker on the block for the Weekend Update this week is Worldwild with their totally kickin new song 'Runaway Street'. High drama courtesy of dangerous synth melodies and impassioned vocals set the tone for this great blend of old and new soundscapes. I think the levels are a little bit out of whack but the song is still hugely impressive. You can download this track FREE currently via the player on soundcloud.




Vector Hold is back for 2014 with killer new track entitled 'Dangerously Close'. The music is full of energy and slick melodies with a great classic video-game style bassline sound that totally rocks, currently this track is available for FREE download.  Be sure to pick up a copy Vector Hold's awesome Mechanized LP too which came out whilst Synthetix.FM was on holiday break, but is is a superb release in it's own right. Grab your copy of Mechanized via Aphasia Records Bandcamp page here.




Qback's digging deep into emotive melodic explorations in his wonderfully rich new track 'RetroRemember'. The refrain is light as air while exuding a powerful aural magic and the dancing complimentary leads create even more bewitching light forms. This delightfully intimate excursion is currently available for FREE download.




A new band for Synthetix.FM is Straktobeam and their new song 'Midnight Run'. The live drums and duelling synth leads create a highly involving ambience that combines 70s progressive and early 80s pop synth sounds spectacularly well. The experience is highly involving with vocals and samples working the dramatic passages exceptionally well. Also available now for FREE download.




It's always a rockin week when RF Extreme shares a new track and this week is no exception. 'Megaton' takes RF Extreme's style into dangerous situations and the narrative becomes a countdown to extinction. The pacing and structure on this piece as a perfect as it gets with every element feeling so natural and effortlessly created.




Nowtro's homage to the untold pleasures of human/robot sexual congress is certainly arousing in many aspects, not the least of which being the majestically soaring lead melody which radiates love drenched energies across its path in the sky.  'Lover Robot' is a great example of using more modern movie samples within the context of 80s themed music as well.




I have a bit of  an 'unwritten rule' with Weekend Updates where I endeavour to avoid posting the same producer more than two or three weeks in a row. That rule gets cast to the seven winds with much disdain when it comes to Manolis however. Every new track this artist releases is another high water mark for his music and 'You and I' continues this amazing trend. Manolis's talent seemingly knows no bounds as this track creates even more stupendously gorgeous 80s magic channeling just that right amount of Wham!'s 'All She Wants' mixed in with that rad Manolis magic. Like his other opuses it's available for FREE download too.




Time for some killer Italo for the Weekend Update and where better to get that glowing Italo Disco feeling than from Super Magic Records. 'Return To Reality' is full of classic Italo sounds and driven by an uplifting melody that hooks deep and never lets go. Beautifully vintage production finishes the experience perfectly.




Lets get some testosterone pumping and the sweat of passion flowing with the hot new track from Muscle; the searingly sexual 'Feel The Steel'. The bump and thrust of the rolling melodies create sensual energies that build and build to fever pitch over and over again. The drenched afterglow is the ultimate reward for effort by it's completion.




Some very engaging synthscapes up next from Shklovsky & Pale Blue dot with their new track 'Madonna'. The percussion is huge and powerful, with an undeniable presence but the slow moving melodic parts, especially the sax towards the end of the piece, add much contrast to the experience. This track is currently available for download via their Facebook page here also.




Ilya Santana is rockin some smooth vibes on his new track 'Disco Panorama' which is the A side of his new physical released available on gorgeous pink vinyl on Porn Wax Volume 7 here. Backed with cosmic disco synth of 'Magic Words' this sumptuous package of quality vintage sounds.




Stallone Jones is certainly expanding his musical horizons in his new track 'Burst Of Colour'. Raucous live drums power a synth layered engine room the has a distinctly progressive presence about it. The arrangements are engineered for great builds and explosive impacts. There are a great deal of interesting nuances throughout this track and as if this wasn't enough Stallone Jones also shared another track in 'Night Patrol' this week which is cut from a very different vintage, but no less engaging, cloth.




Although not technically as 80s as a lot of the music I share on Synthetix.FM a new Fear Of Tigers release is a rather auspicious occasion. This producer was rockin the early days of the first wave of 80s inspired synth and has returned with a great new track that is packed with Fear Of Tigers magic and is an instant throwback to those heady days of 2009-10. Lots of golden 80s sounds and energies are woven into this cacophonous orgy of high energy synthscapes. Currently available for FREE download we can only hope this is the first of many new tracks from Fear Of Tigers that was alluded to last year.




Lastly for this week's Weekend Update we have one the single most rocking promo trailers I'm yet to bear witness to. Coming soon is a new short film from the creative talents of the midnight laser warriors themselves NIGHTSATAN and writer/director CHRZU. Entitled NIGHTSATAN And The Loops Of Doom this is going to be one hell of a short film if this trailer is anything to go by. Many thanks to Dr Pecco for enlightening me to this stunning piece of auteur cinema.



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 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

The Halloween Festivities continue on Synthetix.FM into an unprecedented second week! Yes, theres just too much music for the season around to move on. When will it end? Well, I'd say the upcoming review of Dance With The Dead's debut album should bookend things nicely. 'Til then, we're still rockin the darkness with candy coursing through our veins and Jack-o'-lantern vestiges still glowing bright!

One of the true highlights of Halloween 2013 is the phenomenal compilation released by Playmaker. The Miami Cannibal Massacre is deep laceration after laceration of sharpened synth slashes, boasting a cast of serial superstars thirsting for blood and vengeance. It's a staggering display of talent from the scene on show here, with the devil's share of tracks being exclusively available in this compilation.



Even more rockin is the upcoming physical release of this on cassette with a poster of the cover art. Click through the player to the Bandcamp page for more information on this rockin limited edition.


Let's keep the volume turned all the way up to rad with the new Synthetix Weekend Update!


The Glow Racing project from Montana Games keeps on rockin as more musical talent signs on. Apollo Zapp is the latest addition to the stable and his new track 'Glow Racing Theme' adds a very smooth and sophisticated air to the proceedings. Not a fast paced, frenetic OutRun affair, but instead creating an undulating synthscape that flows effortlessly.




Evanton are celebrating their first year anniversary with a kickin new track available for FREE download. 'Living In The 80s' brings the Evanton sound out of it's Italo roots and into some different territory as the melodies are given a new personality, complete with synth strings filling in the background. It's not what I'd call their most 80s sounding track, but it certainly rocks!




Time to take the Halloween sounds into the realms of synth pop with the new track from Kid Indiglo titled 'Wolf At The Door'. The subject matter is dark, but the melodic structure provides much beauty with a fantastic narrative in both the lyrics and music. To celebrate Halloween this song is currently available for FREE download, so get on it and rock it.




Something new now from Timecop1983. This producer has been searching for his sound if his soundcloud is anything to go bu and I think he's found it in 'Into The Night'. Luxurious OutRun elements are brought together with much homage to the leaders of the scene. The flow is unmistakable, and hopefully this leads to Timecop1983 developing his craft further.




Someone who's spent most of 2013 developing their craft is the ever-rockin Foreign Blade. I've loved so much of this producer's music throughout the year and continue to be wowed by his work and '1 Kilo And 486 Miles' is no exception. You want rich, emotive melodies? You got 'em. You want an exciting narrative that will take you on an epic journey? That's here too. This track is spectacularly well crafted and as a wonderful bonus is currently available for FREE download.




Next up is the hot new debut EP from Polymatrix. This self-titled three track affair from this new Polish producer introduces us to his music with rockin results. Style wise the three tracks on offer are cut from the more epic fabrics of space and time and there are some superb nods to 70s prog synths sounds as well as 80s emotions.


The opening track serves as a great introduction as 'Nightrider' takes a really kick arse later 70s sounding melody and weaves it's story through ages and stages of evolutionary development that explodes in the final chapter with ferocious neon incandescence. 'Heart Of The City' is a tad more obtuse in it's delivery as the introduction builds from numerous directions into synth soundtrack themed piece. The sweeping synths layer in beauty over the chaos before the main synth melody rocks onto the scene and switches the entire piece into amazing new dimensions. The third track, '2087' is easily the most sci-fi feeling piece on the EP and shows once again that Polymatrix has a deft touch for developing his musical ideas into deeply rich stories.

This is a fantastic debut release from this artist and I'll be greatly looking forward to hearing more form Polymatrix in the future. For now you can pick up this great EP on his Bandcamp page here, at a name-your-own-price point.


Let's get back to some funkier stuff now with some hot new PH Groove. 'Rocket Power' is another adventure into the funkified future synth of PH Groove and continues his trend of making sure every avenue of a track is explored before it's finish. The six minute plus track length of PH Groove's more  releases are something I thoroughly applaud as it gives the listener the opportunity be fully ensconced in the music. 'Rocket Power' exemplifies this with it's totally kick arse synth melodies allowed to rock all over the universe; and you can let it rock all over yours too as it's currently available for FREE download!




Hot on the heels of his fantastic new album Scan Lines (which I endeavour to review on Synthetix.FM soon) is an unreleased track from LA Dreams entitled 'Am I Dreaming'. I find this piece most interesting as to me, as long time LA Dreams fan, it sounds like it was made a while back as it has a different air about it, production wise, although I wouldn't be surprised if I'm entirely wrong. Either way this is full of that gorgeous LA Dreams magic that is always so wonderful to experience.




A hot new collaboration from Stellar Dreams and Who Ha has surfaced and it's totally k-rad to the max.  A spooky synth  Halloween motif accented with Who Ha's inimitable comedic brilliance. The music is a great introduction to Stellar Dreams new dark experiments and I defy you to not have the 'Spooky Stellar, Spooky Who Ha' refrain looping in your head long after the song has ended. This is an absolute gem, so rock it hard and often.




And speaking of Stellar Dreams, the rockers themselves had a hot new EP out in time for the Halloween Season entitled Audiolove. This release marks a bit of a change in the Stellar Dreams soundscape, as evidenced above in their collaboration with Who Ha, which finds the duo digging into darker textures and ideas, abandoning much of their previous production styles in favour of a much more grisly slash electro flavour.


It should be no surprise to anyone that this works exceptionally well as the combination of their beautifully crafted melodies are now contrasted by a raw and violent energy. There are elements of the Carpenter Brut and Perturbator school of slash electro present throughout the EP and these darker energies are explosive and intense throughout,  however on  'Dance For Yesterday' Stellar Dreams allow their 80s soul to glow with much more loving colours but this is much more of a stop off than a destination on Audiolove.

It's provides for a very interesting synthscape, the balls-out synth violence of pieces like 'Haste' and 'Sound Of Blood' are riveting and full of instant gratification, whereas the final piece, 'The Vow' offers a combination of both peace and violence as the grand melodies are carved out with an aggressive instrumentation. The experiment comes off with much success and Audiolove shows that the Stellar Dreams experience is still going through developments to find it's true form.

Grab your copy of Audiolove on Stellar Dreams' Bandcamp page here, it's a wild ride into the darker creative energies of Stellar Dreams, tempered by their innate 80s love and most importantly it rocks from beginning to end.


2013 has certainly been a great year if your a fan of Cougar Synth. This duo has released some of the most lusciously luxurious 80s inspired synth adventures over the year and continue to impress with each new track. On their latest work, 'Visions' we find absolutely glorious synth melodies caressing a wonderful bass line in an embrace of rapturous passion. This is Cougar Synth doing what they do best, and it's totally magical to experience. You can add this to your music collection courtesy of the FREE download button in the player too.




This leads us perfectly into the new vision from Palm Highway Chase. Palm Highway Chase has been around since the beginning of the 80s inspired synth scene and his importance and relevance is explained to perfection in this new preview for his upcoming cassette release through Beer On The Rug. This track is the epitome of what emotive soundtrack synth is all about. The structure, the elements, the progressions, they're all perfectly moulded into an incredibly deep experience. To find out more about the mysterious producer known only as Palm Highway Chase to his many fans tune into KFAI's live stream today (Sunday) at 10AM CST for a live interview with him by scene icon Noah Kaufman as part of his Synth Waves show.




To finish off this week's Weekend Update we have the triumphant return of Project Friday to announce. The show's been on hiatus for the last few months, but Steve 'Silent Gloves' Gillson is back and ready to rock this Friday, the 8th of November. Get onto the Project Friday's website here and Facebook page here for more information!




As a final word for this week's Weekend Update I had the pleasure of joining Noah Kaufman, LA Dreams and RF Extreme on the Across The Board show on KFAI this past Friday. The live broadcast was a hell of a lof of fun and is something I'll be hopefully much more involved in in the future, you can listen to the stream or download the show here under the 11/01/2013 show under Recent Playlists.

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

Synthetix Weekend Update

It's time to rock your weekend with a brand new Weekend Update full of sumptuous synth temptations and intimate promises of dreams yet to be realised.

Let's get rockin with the killer new tune from Gina Calabrese. Moods are kept subdued and passions restrained in this slow motion synthscape. This track combines an excellent ambient quality in the melodies with crisply punctuated percussion making for a hypnotising contrast that haunts as much as it grooves.

New Arcades have just recently shared a rockin new instrumental track titled 'Reflections'. This harkens back to very 2010 sounding experience with those glorious 80s synth passages melded with modern drums. The melodies are uplifting and the modern elements give even more vibrance to the the experience. This track is currently available for FREE through the link in the player.




Pacific Deep are an duo kicking some major arse with their 80s synth pop sounds. Made up of NZ producer Raymond Hayter and Carl Grace (Some Desperate Glory) these rockers have just released 'Take Me Away' is a dreamy reflection on better times and a yearning to relive them. The song is written and arranged to pop perfection and the chorus will be in your mind and imagination long after the song finishes.




Sunglasses Kid is definitely proving himself as one of the hardest working talents in the 80s inspired synth scene. He is currently working with a tonne of musicians and vocalist from all over the planet in his quest to create his ultimate vision of 80s synth pop. With his latest collaboration with Dana Jean Phoenix we find Sunglasses Kid really rockin hard and presenting a neon rainbow pastiche of 80s elements presented in a bright and positive manner that totally kills. This song is currently available for FREE download and be sure to check out the preview for his upcoming EP release here too. This is going to be great!




Time for some new Evanton! These rockers keep on pumping out their own vision of golden electro italo and 'Theme From The Gold Digger' finds them taking their style into new colours and visions. The classic Evanton bassline is as rockin as ever and the new synth layers elevate the experience to all new levels of radness. A great build and a stellar final act complete this track beautifully.




Foreign Blade is taking a trip into the realms of sweet italo synth with his latest track 'Disco Robot'. The beautifully realised narrative in this track is superb as the music tells its story and weaves a magic robotic spell over the listener. This track's pace is slightly slower than what I would've imagined but it works perfectly with the poignant synth melodies. Grab this FREE download while you can!




Taking a trip into more atmospheric realms of synth entertainment we have the new epic track from Jugement Dernier entitled 'Risky Business'. Over nearly seven and a half minutes of beautifully ambiant  and eloquently detailled synth magic is presented and explored with an overriding narrative that holds everything together. This is one of the first of Jugement Dernier's experiments in the fields of 80s inspired synth and I hope there are many more to come. Be sure to get this track for FREE download while you can.




A new rocker to Synthetix.FM is Cobra Copter and I'm very proud to share is totally kick arse new track 'Chrome City'. This piece walks many 80s themed lines and ties them together with a massively infectious lead melody. The minimalist presentation allows for a very intimate experience and keeps the space it occupies clean and crisp in the cool night air. Many thanks to Halyein for enlightening me to this rockin producer.




There's something about heavily contrasting elements that I love about 80s synth music (and 80s design/clothing/everything for that matter). RF Extreme has totally nailed this in his latest track '12 Cylinder'. Behind gossamer-like, wistfully arranged synth melodies there is pumping and brash rhythm section allowing for a divergent contrast in synthscapes that still exist in perfect symbiosis. The end result is truly magical.




Rutger Megahertz has a new gem of authentic italo gold on offer this week with his hot new track 'Celestial'. Combining just a smidgen of 70s disco with colourful and vibrant italo synth has made for a super charged experience that is as authentic as it is fresh. The lead melody is so authentic it could almost be a direct Koto sample. Marvellous! And also currently available for FREE download!




I'd have to say that the combination of Denovomutans and Dana Jean Phoenix on paper had me scratching my head but once 'Omni Lethal Weapon' began I realised this is collaboration is true stroke of genius. Combining Dana's 80s pop vocal sensibilities with Denovomutans twisted visions of a neo apocalyptic synthscapes has resulted in a dramatic song that would be at home in the introduction or montage sequence of any 80s dark sci fi home video release. Totally rockin from beginning to end.




Magic Sword had been a tad quiet of late. With nine months between slashes I'd actually wondered if they were still kicking but thankfully they are, and they're back now kicking harder than ever! 'Sword of Truth' marks the triumphant return of Magic Sword with dramatic and powerfully introductory passages leading into a point of purely triumphant exhilaration. I hope these rockers are back for good now and will be producing and sharing more gems like this with us soon.




NFD Music came in swinging hard with a superbly written exploration of sweet synth romance this week with the track 'She's My Dream'. Melodies are sugary and bright with luminescent melodies going into crush overload as the music builds to final electrified kiss. Currently available for FREE download, so make sure this is the soundtrack to your weekend romances.




Electric Dissection keeps on upping his game with each new track and 'Surreal' finds this composer exploring the unreal and fantastical sides of his creativity. Music is minimalist in presentation but the melodies and arrangements are full of epic chord progressions and imaginative details. A flight of fancy into the dreams and possibilities of our subconscious minds.




One of the most creative and intriguing producers I know is Amazing Police. Throughout 2013 this artist has made some of the most groundbreaking and individualised synth experiences. His music is full of magical combinations of sounds and arrangements that I've never heard before and in his track 'Exotic Information' he's done it yet again. The structure of this piece makes me hold my breath in anticipation and each passage adds even more intriguing elements. I can't get enough of this track, it's absolutely k-rad to the max.



That does us for another Weekend Update on Synthetix.FM. I hope you've enjoyed this cream of the crop from the 80s inspired synth scene as much as I have and I look forward to experiencing more with you next week.

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

Synthetix Weekend Update

Another massive week in the scene and yet another stellar compilation has been released, making four, yes FOUR incredible 80s inspired synth compilations released in the last six weeks. I can't help but think these would've made more impact is there was a bit more time between them, but there's no rule that people have to enjoy them right now and I'll have the links to them off in the right hand side column for at least the rest of 2013.

This latest compilation is OutRun Europa and it's a smorgasbord of the best talent in 80s synth that Europe dares to assemble. The big names come as thick and fast with a star studded array of producers  including Plaisance, Garth Knight, Vincenzo Salvia, Quixotic, Photosynthesi, Alpha Boy, Les Chic Voltage and New Arcades amongst the starting grid. It's a spectacular ride that traverses many genres and inspirations but the racing thematic links everything together magnificently. OutRun Europa is most certainly one of the big highlights of the June 2013 release schedule and you can pick your own copy up through the OutRun Europa Bandcamp page here.

Now, lets getting rockin the new Weekend Update on Synthetix.FM!

First up is a brand new track from one of the most exciting talents in the scene, Sunglasses Kid with his new synth romance opus 'Pretty Girl'. This producer is right up there with the best talent in the scene, his incredible consistency and gift for making authentically emotional 80s melodies is astounding. This new track is definitely one of his most polished thus far and is must-own.




Dallas Campbell has been an active member of the 80s inspired synth scene for quite a while but I do believe this is the first time I've had the pleasure of sharing his music on Synthetix.FM. His new experience, inventively titled 'Miami's Squarest Grouper' is full of exciting passages and melodies, the ambiance crosses a 70s and 80s flavour with  some disco/prog love thrown in the mix too. The end result works exceedingly well and has a delightfully individual personality. Currently available for FREE download too.




One of my absolute favourite releases this past week, and one that's sure to figure in my favourite music of 2013 is the new double A side release from Kristine. '(We Used To Listen To The) Radio' and 'Wild Heart' are beautifully crafted experiences containing the pure essence of 80s love cascading through the music while Kristine's sultry vocal performance really shows just why she's the leading vocal talent in scene. Both songs are superb, but 'Wild Heart' is definitely my favourite of the two, be sure to click through to the iTunes Store in the player and add these two sparkling gems to your music library as soon as you can.




Sternrekorder keeps on truckin' with new tracks surfacing with a welcome regularity of late. 'Seeburg' is a new experience shared this past week and it's once again a perfect of example of the Sternrekorder magic. His music is so full of wonder, containing such a rich synthcerity to the sounds and melodies. 'Seeburg' is yet another journey into wonderful lands created in Sternrekorders imagination.




Finding himself in a crossover point between 70s disco and 80s synth is Rutger Megahertz who arrives blazing onto the dance floor with his latest work 'Silver Tongue'. The music sits astride both decade's style with perfect balance as disco melodies dance alongside electro synth basslines. The narrative is full of excitement and groove laden passages and always rockin to the max. Currently available for FREE download.




A new EP preview from DreamWave Dave popped up this week and grabbed my attention instantly. In Your Dreams promises some powerful and engaging new sounds from this producer, even these tiny snippets allude to greater things. This five track affair is set for release in Summer 2013, but no further clarity for a date has yet been shared.




Evanton keep on rockin and their new release, Bliss, is full of their high energy signature electro italo sounds. The soundscapes created by this duo are evolving with each new adventure and this new extended EP is one of the finest examples of their sounds thus far. There is a new delicate dimension to their ambience that filters through the tracks, adding more subtlety and detail which in turn gives the throbbing basslines and high drama melodies a much needed contrast. The instruments have definitely been given and extra layer of polish and the mix seems blended more efficiently than previous Evanton releases which on occasion have sometimes felt abrasive. This latest evolution of the Evanton sound is definitely my favourite thus far and with stand out tracks like 'Disco Fox', 'Love In Rimini' and 'Happy Together' on Bliss I find the future prospects for Evanton very exciting indeed. Pick up a copy of Bliss on Evanton's Bandcamp page here and rock it.



A new producer, to my knowledge, on the scene is Neon Vandal. His new release 'Vector Dreamz' is a smoothly undulating ride into the night. The melodies are set to a slow burn and build to a point where the lead synths explode with much incandescence. The production feels a little undercooked, but that may be the aesthetic Neon Vandal is going for. I expect to cover more Neon Vandal action in the future on Synthetix.FM.



The rockin duo that is Cougar Synth shared another kick arse good time this week with their new synthsational track 'Can't Touch My Sneakers'. The Cougar Synth sound is really forming into something special over the last few releases and I feel like they've reached a new high point with his new track. The narrative is rich and energetic and the soundscape lights up with vivid colours. This is currently available for FREE download, so be sure to grab it ASAP.




RF.Extreme is another producer who's soundscapes are evolving with each new release and 'Neon Night Lights' is no exception. This hypnotically fabricated track is full of mystery and drama with some really spectacular  percussive work through the back end. I think this is the darkest we've heard from RF. Extreme and it's complimented by another shadowed experience released this week titled 'Gforced', which he also posted to his soundcloud here.




After a month since his last track, 'Golden Fox', Run Vaylor is back with his progressive synth sounds and a new epic 'Saturn V'. The music is arranged with a decidedly modern flavour but the melodies and soundscapes are full of vintage spectacle. There is something about the lead melody I find massively familiar but I can't put my finger on it, irregardless this tune really rocks hard and is totally kick arse.




A producer I came across this week whom I know next to nothing about, apart from that his music is totally k-rad is the enigmatically titled Franky Boner. For those unaware I do the the Synth Erotica blog, where I share soundtracks from 80s porno movies that are synth based, I've not found time to update it recently, but I hope to again eventually. The reason I mention this is the Franky Boner experience appears to be directly tied into feature adult entertainment from what I can gather from the track titles and the music itself. This is high energy euro disco synth that was most prolific in the Marc Dorcel adult productions of the late 80s which is full of catchy melodies, orchestral stabs and sensationally sensual passages. The seven tracks are all written exceptionally well and arranged for maximum excitement, but retain individual personalities between each track. Modern elements are sometimes incorporated, and even some industrial tinged aesthetics but the overall experience is totally 80s and non stop rockin. It's unfortunate this EP isn't available for download or purchase, but hopefully that will change in the future, and I'll be sure to be rockin more the Franky Boner experience on Synthetix.FM at a later date.



Our final track for this week's Weekend Update is a spectacular new adventure in electro rockin breaks from the one and only Mitch Murder. 'Breakazoid' finds Mitch Murder turning up  the fun to maximum volume with authentic electro melodies fused with the inimitable Mitch Magic, giving the synthscape a layer of glossy brilliance. My favourite Mitch Murder experiences are his funkier electro ones and this is right up there with the best of them. This is THE track to be heard blasting out of your ghettoblaster on every suburban street corner this week.




That does us for another week on Synthetix.FM. I'll be back with more good times and great rock'n'roll during the week, be sure to check in with the Synthetix.FM Facebook page for more synth action at odd times throughout the week too. 'Till then stay 80s and keep on rockin.

Synthetix Weekend Update

We're now in storm season on Synthetix.FM! It's a time when the releases come in thick and fast with unrelenting velocity. Lots of huge releases are scheduled for April and the single releases are falling from the heavens incessantly. This week's Weekend Update breaks all previous records with twenty one hot rockin tracks. Nowhere will be safe and dry! It's time to get out in the elements and bask in the glory of nature and rock the Weekend Update on Synthetix.FM!


 Garth Knight continues his adventures in the realms of 80s funk with sterling new track Stuck In A Rhythm. It's becoming evident that this style of 80s inspired synth is his calling as there is such a smooth effortlessness to the sounds. With a totally rockin vocal track and energy to burn this is one of Mr Knight's finest thus far.




Some new sounds from one of the latest signings to Future City Records with Lazerspek's new track Twilight In The Age Of Man. This is quite unlike anything I've heard before with some of the most brutal side chaining compression I'm yet to experience. I initially found this distracting, but in the context of the track it's grown on me.




ForeignBlade is a new producer on the scene and his latest work, Ghost Patrol, displays a wonderful understanding of how to make some very engaging synth soundtrack styled music. This has a spectacular tonal quality to the soundscape that works perfectly with the arrangements. Download this track now for FREE.




Vestron Vulture's library is growing in mass and quality with each new release. His latest song is called Ellen Page is a dedication full of unrequited love and dark desires. The vocal track is perfect for the slightly sinister music, creating an atmosphere of uneasiness yet one is unable to resist the infectious melodies. Currently available for FREE download also.




C-60 is really bringing his understanding for synth soundtrack music into the disco with his new preview for Rocket Force. The soundscape is beautifully created and explored and combined with a high energy rhythm section makes for an invigorating aural adventure. I do hope an EP or LP release of this styled affair is impending as the preview is solid gold.




With a penchant for the darker side of the synth comes Fetchis with his new release Le Fantome Arrive.
This brooding giallo disco track is absolutely wonderful with the perfect mix of musical elements to create that killer horror vibe. Special mention must go to the stunning drum track, whose sounds and patterns taking on a truly authentic personality.




Fantastisizer is rockin a new tune this week called Secrets. Taking some darker cues which are then infused with hypnotising melodies the simplicity of the experience enforces the power of it as well. The sounds are full of the genuinely 80s naiveté that proves to be hugely engaging throughout the track's duration.




A similar vibe is present in the latest 80s Stallone experience entitled The End. The melancholy piece 80s Stallone magic shows even more exploring of vocal work in his sounds and it something awesome to behold. The effects laden inflictions are full of human emotion and the music feels arranged around the lyrics for maximum atmosphere. Definitely one of the strongest songs I've heard from 80s Stallone.




From one veteran of the scene to another, the enigmatic Mitch Murder shared his latest opus The Touch this past week. This experience goes even more into a dreamlike ambience that is much less dense and complex than this composer's usual fare. But this is by no means a negative, the sparser soundscape allows the listener to fully appreciate each nuance of each instrument all the more. Rapturously executed.




A new rocker on the scene going under the name Molester Moustache caught my attention this week with his eloquently beautiful synth track First Touch. The music is full of warmth and authentic arrangements but also has an energy in the melodies that demands attention. I can but hope this is the first of many rockin Molester Moustache experiences we have on Synthetix.FM.




Ed Harbinger's latest release provides vast amounts of 80s electro energy. Rousseau is full of drama and   raw synth power that rocks hard. This brings to mind a great many of the classic early 80s european producers while keeping some more modern sounds layered in the mix for extra bonus points.




An exciting new preview for Gost's next EP is rockin YouTube as we speak. The dark horror synth of Gost sounds like it's developing in exciting new directions from this preview, I'll be sure to give it the full Synthetix treatment upon it's release.





A new demo for the latest Rutget Megahertz venture, Just Routine, was another highlight this past week. I adore the personality of the track with it's funk bass line, dreamy synth melodies and totally rockin percussion. This demo is currently available for FREE download currently too.




Sternrekorder is back once again with another totally rad new track, Stahlkonstrukt. I love this producer's music a great deal, his sounds are always so authentic and full of 80s love. This latest track is yet another gem from this producer. Please visit his soundcloud page for more Sternrekorder magic if you've not yet had the pleasure.




Evanton's brand of electro fuelled 80s synth has kicked into high gear with their latest track Beverly Hills Pop. The soundscape is unmistakably Evanton with disco chills and synth thrills and this release is positively charged with equal doses of action and drama. This is also currently available for FREE download, so get on it and rock it as soon as you can.




Definitely the biggest news in the scene this week was the return of Power Glove with a new project for the Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon video game soundtrack. This game's development is going for a very 80s motif and by enlisting the always rockin Power Glove for the soundtrack has cemented the hype for this title very securely. The music is pure Power Glove, with lots of drama and energetic sequences all marching into oblivion with a power house rhythm section. Synthetix.FM will be following this project very closely indeed.




Kicking the synth romance back into the scene is Photosynthesi with the teenage crush brilliance of Once Again. The driving drum track provides the perfect background to the layers of synth beauty. Arranged to perfection with a thumbs up freeze frame right before the credits begin to roll this is yet another golden moment from Photosynthesi.




The lead up to Tommy's impending EP keeps gathering momentum and the single he released this week is another window into Tommy's more ambiant moods. The swelling Aurora is full of bright colours and natural beauty, delicately poised upon the horizon with entrancing melodies and total air of triumph. Currently available for FREE download this track is a must-listen-to experience.




Taking a walk into the darker side we find Lost Years crafting all manner of demonic incantations with his new work Rising Of The Dead. I'm not sure just how much dark synth I've heard from Lost Years, but it's not a great deal, I know that much. Whether this is just an experimental diversion or something he plans on exploring more remains to be seen, but I for one greatly enjoyed this adventure into realms of horror courtesy of Lost Years.




Luxury Elite are one of those artists I find vastly entertaining. This slow tracked looping of  80s music is something I really enjoy and along with Laserdisc Visions and Macintosh Plus; Luxury Elite is becoming a real force to be reckoned with. His latest opus, Aerobics, is undeniable in it's brilliance and
totally kick arse in it's execution.




Our final piece on this week's Wekend Update comes courtesy of the always marvellous LA Dreams and his experience called Dreamers. The LA Dreams sound takes on a bit more of an epic soundtrack flair with this new track but it's most certainly full to overflowing with the LA Dreams magic I instantly fall in love with.  The thematic on this track evolves majestically with a really beautifully orchestrated back section that completes the experience.





That does us for the first April Weekend Update on Synthetix.FM, I hope you didn't get too saturated in  the deluge of new music, because there's lots more to come! I'll be back next week with more good times and great rock'n'roll, 'til then stay 80s and keep on rockin.

Weekend Update Blockbuster Part 2

Here we go with the second part of the Weekend Update Blockbuster! This will bring Synthetix reasonably up to date with the happenings in the 80s inspired synth scene over the holiday period, there are a few releases I've not yet explored on Synthetix that will be coming up over the next couple of weeks too.

Crank up the volume and set your energy levels to maximum rocking as we blast into the synthosphere!

First up is a spectacular new adventure from Betamaxx. Over the course of 2012 Betamxx released some superb music and as he rocks in to 2013 it looks like he's kicking things up a notch. This first cut of East Coast Summers is a thrill ride of high energy synth melodies and driving drums sure to send your soul yearning for summer days and neon nights.



Evanton's fast becoming a mainstay of Synthetix with every new release being an affair to remember. Their latest EP LA Story is even more beautifully conceived synth funk and comes highly recommeneded. The second track off LA Story, Run!, is yet more solid musical gold from Evanton.




Taking off into new galactic dimensions is Starforce's new composition Cosmic Voyage. I think this is the first time I've has a father and son made track on Synthetix and I hope it's not the last. This is beautifully written soundtrack space synth music that makes me long for the full length Starforce album. Omniversal Oscillations is due out soon on Aphasia Records and I'll be sure to give it deserving attention on Synthetix upon it's release.




Andy Fink's shared an exciting new preview track on his soundcloud called Dynasty. The bassline in this track is totally rockin and the piece has a bent/off kilter mood that is very engaging. As the track evolves I hope it keeps this personality and takes things even further into the unknown.




It's time for some quality space italo now with Spacious Sweeps new track, Black Ops. This has to be the most ambient italo I've ever heard. The melodies and arrangements are totally rockin the pure italo vibe, but in this context of being slowed down and given huge spatial qualities makes for a wonderful soundscape.




While we're sailing in the italo galaxy we should stop in Flashback Records new release from the aptly named Italove in Follow Me To Mexico. Due out on January 18 this is a monstrously authentic italo styled song of the 1987-88 vintage that is full of energy and passion. Even this short preview is totally kick arse, I'll be sure to follow up on this EP upon it's impending release.




Photosynthesi continues to make positive impressions  with each new track this Italian producer releases. The emotional depth of his track White is fathomless and the funk bass break down adds yet another dimension to an already rivetting experience. This track is featured on Side B of the latest  Synthetix Mixtape and is a true celebration of the wonder and magic of 80s inspired synth music.




To finish up this second half of the Weekend Update Blockbuster we have the powerful new track from Synthaesthete. The deliberate pace of this juggernaut of synthual energies is magnificent to behold. The drum track in this is exceptionally done, exhibiting raw power and a dynamic that is masterfully executed.




That does us for the two part Weekend Blockbuster on Synthetix, but I'll be returning tomorrow with a super hard rockin 20/80s and covering a some supremely high calibre releases throughout the week so stay 80s and keep on rockin!

Synthetix Weekend Update

Welcome to the final regular Weekend Update for 2012 on Synthetix. Next weekend will be something special for the year's end on Synthetix with a countdown of the most rockin tracks of the year in the Synthetix Top Tens of 2012 extravaganza! It's been a stunning year of 80s inspired synth music and I can't wait to share my favourite experiences from the past twelve months with you next week.


First up we have a new Two Worlds EP release from Nathan Swiss. This EP is a combination of new and old sounds, as it's name would suggest, and the 80s inpired track New Wave is a really lovely example of this producer's penchant for 80s sounds. The EP contains four originals and a quality Final DJs remix of the titles track. Pick up this rockin EP on iTunes here right now.




Evanton keeps on rockin and bringing back killer vintage experiences in electro italo. Their latest track Hot Leather is yet another piece of high energy disco with an eletro soul working beautifully throughout. Evanton keep on brining the hits and it's a pleasure to enjoy such consistently rockin tunes.




With our energy levels set to dangerous levels already it's time to tempt fate and raise them even higher with the electrifying new track from Garth Knight: Flux Capacitor. Garth Knight's been one of my favourite new artists on the scene this year and his music continues to inspire and deliver thrills and spills and disco chills.




Dialling things down a few notches, Noir Deco's recent work has been going down a beautifully ambient and atmospheric path. His soundtrack style pieces really developing a magnificent maleficence with deeply emotive arrangements. The Dark Passenger personifies this perfectly.




Lightening the mood with some sensually sexy funk synth gold is the new SaiR track Mornings. An absolutely gorgeous vista of 80s sounds and arrangements beckon and entrance the listener with a varied instrumentations and precision arrangements. Totally rockin.




Someone who's just entered the Synthetix community is an artist currently working under the name C-60. This producer is by no means new to the 80s revival however as his ambient and soundtrack styled synth works under other pseudonyms (much of which can be found here). With his C-60 identity he's now upping the 80s ante even further and this new track, Night Cruiser, is a stellar re-genesis for this producer's sound and an absoloutly beautifully arranged experience.




Lost Years keeps on rockin hard and the first version of his new adventure is a more brillance from this always impressive producer. Converter has some of his best ever perscussive flourishes combined with a massively hooky melody. As with most Lost Years tracks I'll be looking forward to the evolution of Converter as Lost Years expands upon this already marvellous tune.




My hands-down favourite producer of 2012 has been LA Dreams. EVERYthing this artists creates has a soul of pure 80s majesty. He has a new release in the offing called Belladonna and the first track from it is String Of Pearls. This is yet another piece stunning synth romance from the modern day master of the genre.




And speaking of modern day masters of 80s inspired synth music we have a fantastic new release from Mitch Murder out now on Bandcamp which serves as a 2012 Yearbook for this producers smaller, but no less significant works released throughout this past year plus a bunch of other gems and rockin remixes. "Selection One" allows us to add many of his previously unreleased killer cuts from 2012 to our music libraries, this is available now for 'name your own price' on Mitch's Bandcamp  here. As an extra rockin bonus to this release Mitch has reenvisaged the classic theme to the original Terminator which results a totally kick arse experience.




Returning back to the synth in glorious fashion is Rain Sword with his ultra magical new track High Class. I adore this artist's melodies, they always sound and feel so authentic and High Class is testament to the radness of Rain Sword's muse. Rock it hard and loud!




Our final piece of regular Weekend Update programming for 2012 is a spectacular cover of Rocking And Loving from the always entrancing Kristine. This seems like the perfect festive holiday tune to keep the cold and bay and the warmth in everlasting 80s glow.




I hope the weekend is full of good times and great rock'n'roll for you and that this Weekend Update has added some 80s magic to it. I'll be back with more hot rockin action next week on Synthetix, till then keep on rockin and stay 80s!