Synthetix Sundays

Just cause Marko's touring the U.S on a synthwave odyssey it doesn't mean there's no Synthetix Sundays! Filling in for Marko over the next few weeks will be RPG's own The Right Reverend Larry Lang, The Larry Lama (Lawrence Lang) rocking your world with 80s inspired synth magic.

Quality time with Rick Shithouse returns this week as well as Paul "Dress To Kill" Daly with his 100 Followers or Less segment as well as Larry's own aural delectations.

Synthetix Sundays airs on Radio Pure Gently at 10am EST/3pm UK/GMT/12pm AEDST time which is one hour earlier than usual.

Synthetix Sundays will be on every second Sunday while Marko's away and as usual the full show as well as the Quality Time With Shithouse free, purchasable and feature tracks will be added to this post on Monday.





Quality Time With Shithouse free, purchasable and feature tracks:

Synthetix Weekend Update

Moving into our Halloween Week Weekend Update on Synthetix.FM we find lots of ghoulish gems from the 80s inspired synth scene rising from their cold tombs with an insatiable lust for blood.

The Synthetix.FM Rhythm Vivisection Halloween Mixtape will be unleashed on Wednesday the 30th of October (this is Australian time, mind, it'll be the 29th in the U.S and EU) in time to hopefully be used as part of your soundtracks at your Halloween events. This mixtape is going to be epic in length and diversity, so prepare yourself now for the ensuing brutality.

A new radio show has cropped up covering some of the 80s inspired synth producers going by the name of Radio Pure Gently. In the current episode they spend some time with Berndsen and Le Chat Et La Fille among other artists, get on their feed on Radio Pure Gently site here.

In other radio show related news I was honoured to be a guest on KFAI's Synth Waves show this past week. Myself and Noah 'BenniMushu' Kaufman had a marvellous time discussing music and the scene and playing some killer tunes. You can listen to this broadcast on the Synth Waves site here. I'm also very pleased to confirm that I'll be appearing on Synth Waves once a month with an ongoing segment called 'Rick's Picks' where I'll present three of my favourite tracks from recent releases as well as some gems from the distant and not so distant past. This should be lots of fun and I'd like to thank Noah for this kick arse opportunity.

The radio show action keeps on rockin with  Beyond Synth interviewing Dana Jean Phoenix this week. It's a great interview that gives us a much more detailled picture of Dana as an artist in her own right with her prolific work in many areas of vocal performance. Check out Andy Last's chat with Dana Jean Phoenix here.

Time to open the heavens and cast down the armageddon fury from beyond reality with the new Synthetix Weekend Update on Synthetix.FM!


Kicking things out into the stratosphere is the incredibly beautiful new track from RF Extreme. 'Lighter Than Air' is a gorgeous piece of wistfully engaging synth romance, that speaks volumes in soft tones that build to a victorious finale. RF Extreme's craftsmanship in building an experience is so poignantly displayed in every second of this piece, it's a truly rapturous journey.




Not wanting to leave the mood of 'Lighter Than Air', the next track continues the beauty with Time/Switch's 'Silent Running'. This is my first experience of the of Time/Switch synthscape and I must say it's a rockin on. Smooth melodies and a wonderfully well explored narrative make for a very alluring musical journey. This track is available to own at a 'name-your-own-price point too.




Cobra Copter keeps on rockin hard and his new track 'Vegas Nights' combines beauty and action with a funky streetwise lead melody that means business. The Cobra Copter experience is always an exciting one and 'Vegas Nights' definitely reinforces this from beginning to end.




Jupiter Gang have been one of my favourite electro funk producers for the last couple of years, but sometimes it's a long time in between drinks with their music so when a new track is released it's always a red letter day. With the Gang's new track, 'Nostalgy' we get tonnes of rockin funk action packaged in a jazzy 80s format that flows with infectious rhythms and sublime homages to vintage sounds. It does finish a tad abruptly, but as it's available to buy I'm assuming this was the artists intention.




I'd previously covered the spectacular Highway Superstar remix of Peter Robinson's 'Why'd You Go And Break My Heart' and now we have the pleasure of getting the original plus an array of other hot remixes in it's full release. The original mix is absolutely charming with the spectacular vocals performed by Cheryl James combining with Peter Robinsons authentic synth work. There is a winsome air about this original vision that feels very authentic and is then taken in new directions in the remixes.



And what a line up of remixes there are!! Such a rockin original definitely deserves this amount of reimaginings and we're left with very few possibilities unrealised. A total of eight remixes take this song into modern and vintage retellings via the talents of  Highway Superstar, Pelifics, Vincenzo Salvia, Dallas Campbell, Peter Ellis, Shint, Mental Minority and Evanton. Theres disco, funk, house, italo and some even harder edges of the musical spectrum explored. The fact that all of these remixes rock is a testament to how kick arse the original song is and makes this single a must-have purchase for every fan of quality 80s synth pop sounds.


More new blood for Synthetix.FM, this time a producer using the monicker Neon Rebel. From his soundcloud it looks like he's just beginning his 80s musical journey but his sounds are definitely rockin already. 'Renegade' is a darker piece that canters at a slowed down OutRun pace and brings equal portions of action and drama. The length of the track allows for full exploration of the ideas and is sure sign that Neon Rebel will have many more intriguing stories to tell in the future. Many thanks to Corey Benedict for enlightening me to this producer.




Russia's Pulse 80 has graced us with another shining gem of vintage synth love 'Cruise Along The Night Coast'. The mood is calm and relaxing with a languid nature to the synths that intimates the freshness of he coastal breeze and the slow rise and fall of the rolling currents. Beautiful work again from this producer, who has also allowed this track to be available for FREE download.




Another new act on the scene is a duo from Sweden calling themselves 'Miami Beach Force'. Their music definitely likes rock with high energy as their latest track 'Highway Chase' is unrelenting in it's speed and intensity. The drama is kept high and the synths refuse to give any quarter as the ultimate fate for the hunter and the prey explodes in an orgy of neon violence.

 

The new track from Foreign Blade certainly moves into darker reaches of government cover ups and all manner of covert operations in 'Cybernetic Implant Installation Procedure'.  Melodies are cool and aloof with a highly detailled percussive track sharpening the focus. The mood is restrained, yet the threat of forces beyond our control never seem far away throughout this track. This is currently available for FREE download too.




Next up is the hot new EP from NightStop succinctly titled Fuel. Across the three pieces on this release we get to experience NightStop's take on 80s sounds via 'L.A. Heat', 'Fuel' and 'Harrison Ford'. The sounds are a combination of OutRun and italo flavours with a penchant for the dramatic and a flair for the epic as each of the three compositions are separated into new visions and ideas. Each track rocks hard, and as an even more radical bonus you can purchase this release on my favourite format: cassette! Get your copy of this asap through the link in the player below.



More new blood is ready flow as the Synthetix Weekend Update ventures into more salaciously erotic territory with the new track from Charlez Bronson beautifully titled 'Future Tits'. I'm not pulling any punches when I say the visionary video they've created for this video is supplying much of the magic, but as a two pronged attack on the senses the visual and audio combines into a highly exciting mix of old and new. Be sure to follow these rockers on their soundcloud page here for more rad action.


Future Tits ( . )( . )( . ) from Charlez Bronson on Vimeo.



To finish of this week's Weekend Update is gives me great pleasure to be able to share the brand new Neros77 video for Lazerhawk's Skull + Shark track. The master editor has spliced together visions from Jaws and The Fog to create a new nightmare that is full of spine tingling moments and night terrors. The result is the perfect companion to the title track from Lazerhawk's new album. Keep all the lights on in this one, you never know whats hiding in the shadows.






That does us for this week's Weekend Update on Synthetix.FM. I'll be back during the week with lots more rockin action from the 80s inspired synth scene, providing more soundtracks to your darkest nightmares.

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

Synthetix Weekend Update

All the planets must be in alignment this past week as a whole ensemble of 80s synth heavy hitters have shared brand new music in an onslaught of pink neon explosiveness. September is going to be a big month for EP and album releases, so keep your internet dial tuned to Synthetix.FM for all the radness a rocker can bear.

One of the great things currently happening in the 80s inspired synth scene is people stepping up and doing their thing to spread the word. As I mentioned in the Protector 101post I did this week Andy Synth is doing a fantastic new shows called Beyond Synth. Andy's already done interviews with Who Ha, Ogre Sound and Vincenzo Salvia, as well as the aforementioned session with Protector 101. The interviews as informal and relaxed and make for very entertaining listening.

Also stepping up is 80s synth scene mainstay BenniMushu and his new show on KFAI radio, Synth Waves. Anyone who's been active in the scene over the last few years will recognise BenniMushu as one of the most ardent and loyal fans of 80s inspired synth music on soundcloud. Now that he has his own radio show he's doing interviews and playing the hottest rockin tunes.

These two rockers will hopefully fill the void for quality interviews with all the great producers in the scene. I had intended for Synthetix.FM to do more interviews, as I've done in the past, but the workload on here has meant I've not been able to devote nearly enough time to doing them to a standard I'm happy with. I always hoped that other rockers would stand up and take on that role and now with at least two sites doing podcast style interviews this should provide a huge amount of good times and great rock'n'roll for those fans, like myself, who want to know more about the scene's raddest talent.

Let's get down to business with some solid gold tunes that are sure to make your days brighter and your nights hotter with the new Weekend Update on Synthetix.FM!


First up is another great track from Pumping Body with 'Young Untouchable'. This Polish producer is really weaving some great 80s magic in his music and this latest track is no exception. Upbeat melodies and punchy percussion set moods to exciting, with a chance of romance. Currently available for FREE download too.




Even though Dance With The Dead pushed their full length album release back to sometime this month they're still making sure we know what we're going to be in for and that, most importantly, it'll be well worth the wait. In their latest demo, 'Xenon', the duo once again combine the danceability of high energy OutRun with the darker sides of Giallo Disco. As always the arrangements create an incredibly deep narrative that thrills and chills it's way into your soul.




It's always going to be a red letter day when theres new Photosynthesi music around and this new track certainly reinforces this. 'Out Of The Blue' is full of cascading melodies and azure vistas full of cresting waves and breezy synths; you'll need to put your sunglasses on for maximum effect. This track is also and exclusive to the new episode KFAI's Synth Waves show.




It's great to see Les Chic Voltage is back and rockin the scene more frequently of late. His latest work is a slow burning synth adventure  called 'Fresh Dub 82'. Containing some massive drums and dub elements he ties it all together with some totally tubular 80s melodies that make the entire experience a magical affair. Currently available for FREE download too.




80s Stallone dropped not one but two super cool tracks this week. Both are inspiring and full of 80s love and passion and I found myself in quite a quandary as to which one I enjoyed the most. I think 'Heavyweight' has a slightly richer story but 'Comeback' has a charm that is undeniable. The solution? Heres 'Heavyweight' and heres 'Comeback' so rock em both loud and proud!




Moustache Machine unleashed the spectacular 'Mission Control' this week ans I'm still feeling the aftershocks. The build on this track is totally kick arse and the nods to OutRun and Italo sounds throughout the adventure is as rockin as it is riveting. Also available currently for FREE download.




In what promises to be one hell of a synthscapade through many dimensions is the new full length record form Shio-Z. The preview he has posted covers a massive amount of territory and each track definitely piques my interest and makes me hunger for more. We don't have to wait long for this album's release though as it's released date is only a few days away on the 10th of September, but you can start getting excited right now!




The big hits just keep on coming and they don't get much bigger than STARFORCE's new single. 'Alpine Glow Part II' is a sequel to one of the most popular tracks off their last album Ominiversal Oscillations and it continues the ideas and emotions forged in the original to wondrous new evolutions.
It's an awe inspiring experience with a grandeur and class that is irrepressible. This epic is currently available for FREE download too, so get it rockin ASAP!




I honestly find it hard to put into words just how much I love Sternrekorder's music. Every time I get to post a new track by this amazing producer I seem to find it that little bit harder to convey just how hard his music rocks. In his latest track 'Duesenjaeger' we have yet another glorious ride into a fanciful wonderland of shimmering brilliance and beautiful synthscapes. Magnificent!




Funk synth rockers Jupiter Gang are back with a kickin new tune called 'The Escape'. I find this act one of the most exciting in this field of 80s synth as there seems to be a completely lucid understanding of the genre in their music. I can just see Morris Day & The Time marching up and down the stage to this with synths in hand and bad intentions on their minds. Also available for FREE download!




Another massive release in the offing is a new album from scene legend FM Attack. This exciting new  release promises a huge amount of glowing 80s love done with that touch of modernity. There are currently five preview tracks available for your early indulgence on FM Attack's soundcloud here but I couldn't resist sharing 'Magic' featuring the inimitable premier chanteuse of the 80s inspired synth scene Kristine on vocals. We don't have wait too long for the album as De Ja Vu is due to be released next week on the 12th of September.




Next up is the brand new track from Dr Pecco which blew me the first time I heard it. In 'Scubamask' Dr Pecco creates just the right level of drama and intrigue while lacing the synthscape with a wonderfully catchy lead melody. This instantly became one of my favourite tracks by the good Doctor, plus it's also available for FREE download currently!




Something that's becoming a fantastic new trend in the scene is the amount of producers getting work doing soundtracks for movies, games and digital comics. These avenues are the perfect way to broaden the audience and fan base that is possible. Foreign Blade has become the most recent producer to explore these new pastures with his new track 'Wiped Out' which will feature in the online comic OutRunners. It's a great track with a darkened mood and a thirst for danger and I hope this leads to more work for Foreign Blade on this production. 'Wiped Out' is available for FREE download too.




Continuing down the dramatic path of intrigue is the new track from Cobra Copter. 'The Plan' is at it's core a funky piece that is bound by a super catchy lead melody but this has been chopped up and almost glitched about in a very entertaining manner. The simplicity of the synthscape allows for much greater explorations of this melody and creates a very engaging experience.




A wonderful new track came my way this week from the delightfully named Zombie Hyperdrive. This piece called 'Citadel' is vastly majestic and rich in melodic harmonies and it's absolutely jubilant in it's stunning chorus refrain. The story is as epic and full of enrapturing details that are completely spellbinding. Definitely one of my favourites in this week's crop of rockin tunes.




To finish off with we have a new high energy roller coaster ride from the alway rockin LA Dreams.
'The Taste Of Glory' is jam packed with twisting turns and high speed straights and the shredding guitars take the experience to all new levels of adrenalin fuelled excitement. Totally rockin.



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

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

Synthetix Weekend Update

The heavy weather has definitely set in. This week's downpour is full of life enriching musical elements that will provide you an inspiring listening experience full of 80s love to get you through these damp days and storm filled nights.

While the showers persist it's seems like the perfect time to get rockin with Lazerhawk's latest track Children of The Night. This is another work from the impending Skull and Shark comic he's collaborating on and it's one of the darkest pieces we've heard from Lazerhawk in many a moon. Definitely well in keeping with the mood of the visuals and if you've not had the pleasure yet please view the preview to Skull And Shark here.




Python Blue is expanding his horizons in each new release. His once dominant ambient soundtrack style has blossomed into pure OutRun gold in his just published track High Ways. This producer's understanding of what gives power and spatial depth to his arrangements is very well displayed in this piece.




 A new rocker on the scene with a sound as intriguing as his name caught my attention this week. Right Knider's sounds have a bit of a skewed out-of-time bent to them but the soundscape is thoroughly engaging as melodies as cast like spells full of powerful elements. This is currently available for FREE download also.




The next track is a bit of an oddity, that I found as engaging as it is perplexing. Asian Ganja Crew's eclectic styles heard in their previous release seem to have found a home in the 80s funk dimension if their preview track on Bandcamp is anything to go by. Even as this short preview I can't help but br intrigued by this release. I'm yet to take the plunge on the full record, but I think it's a calculated risk I'll be taking over the next week. If the rest of the album is as rockin as Horn I'll be sure to give this record some love on Synthetix.FM in the near future.




Neon Flash Drive's made a stunning return to the scene after a near six month hiatus with superb new work, Caught Her Name At Recess. This is a pure and rich synth romance experience, full of emotion and deep like a first crush. Beautiful from beginning to end and also available as a FREE download.




Keeping the love rockin all the right ways is the new one from Adeyhawke: Looker. Synths dodge and weave in an out of totally killer bassline and the experience feels naturally free-form as it builds. This is full of 80s magic and accented by some more modern arrangements with an end result that is bitchen to the max.




Moving to more dramatic times is the new track from Silenx. Dataflow's mechanised coldness and sparseness is orchestrated with drama being the dominant force. This track feels austere and methodical with a machine like precision that brings to mind a eerie bleakness. Totally spellbinding.




Britain's Saint Remy has been dabbling in many forms of electronic music in recent times but in his latest work he's definitely found his love and desire for 80s sounds blossoming. Nearly Lost Her is a slow burn full of emotionally charged melodies and arranged with an interesting flair. It's quite unlike anything else with it's repeated samples and clean piano details, but it's story is beautifully written from beginning to end.




Jupiter Gang, along with a handful of other artists are on my list called "Please release a goddamn album already".  This producer is one of the most rockin in the scene doing 80s synth funk and his latest track, Under Arrest, adds some very interesting drama to the soundscape. It's got 80s cop action shakedown written all over it, which is supremely entertaining.




Keeping things funky, but a bit more fried is the new preview for Aminova's Research. The music has a very 16bit personality to it, but it's not what I'd call ChipTune music. The Aminova magic is ever present throughout and this producer's hallmark melodies are a joy to once again behold.




Droid Bishop keeps on rockin with his latest EP teaser Electric Love Interlude. This piece of synth romance is delightfully engineered with a heartfelt beauty that permeates through the synth melodies. It bodes very well for the full EP which I can only hope is going to be released soon.




Neon Workout's really kicking some major amounts of arse of late, his new preview/sketch of L.S.F.E goes great lengths to show his proficiency in creating super hot sounds. This has an infectious electro funk vibe that totally kills. Very promising, and hopeful a sign that a full EP or LP release will he happening soon.




Alpha Boy is going through a wonderfully diverse experimental period this last month or so and his latest foray is into an interesting library-esque style. His sounds work really well for this style, and the inclusion of new samples adds even more to the experience. Definitely something the Alpha Boy style works well with.




I'm not sure whether Run Vaylor's latest track is called New Beginning for it's name only or whether he's ushering in a new era in the Run Vaylor experience. Either way this composition is stunning to be behold as it remains wonderfully epic in scope, but intimates with emotional melodies wonderfully. This track is currently available for FREE download also.




For my tastes, Futurecop! had lost their ways in recent times. A lot of their sounds that I found absolutely stunning have been succeeded by far less engaging pieces to my ears. With their latest release, Superheroes, they've enlisted the always glowing Kristine and this has made for quite a special experience. That said, I wish there were less effects used on Kristine's voice as her 's is one of perfection and grace that has no need for extra processing. It's probably only me who has this issue with Superheroes and as a work of 80s crossover it works rather well.




Rockin back to some classic italo disco is the new Spacious Sweep piece Radiant. I love the Spacious Sweep italo sound and this is brought right up front in Radiant. Driving basslines, catch melodies and on point percussion make for a very authentic experience.




Fanateek One's brand of rocking 80s funk synth is once again lighting up the night skies with his mysteriously titled F One #13 Day 2 composition. Spaces are kept open and unconstrained and there's little to confuse the intentions as delectable melodies are coated in sweet candy gloss.




A new rocker from Norway who's taking the 80s deep into his heart is Transcend. His just released Years is bright and joyous with layers of synth romance working in total harmony. I hope this producer continues his 80s love affair in the future. This track is also available for FREE download.




Arc Neon are back with some sexy summer synth sounds in their instrumental version of Wet Dreams. The Arc Neon sound is developing it's own personality that is evenly balance with light and dark elements, making for a superb contrast in their music. This track epitomises this and totally rocks throughout. Also available currently for FREE download, so get on it as soon as you can.





Our final entry in this week's Weekend Update flood is a kick arse new synth pop odyssey from Who Ha called Out Running. This producer's really got a killer style and his vocals are totally rockin the right 80s personality. If that wasn't enough there's also an instrumental version available too.  Very authentic, in both forms, and totally k-rad to the max.



That does us for yet another tsunami sized Weekend Update on Synthetix.FM. I'll be back soon with more good times and great rock'n'roll next week. 'Til then,  stay 80s and keep on rockin!

Synthetix Weekend Update

Back with lots of hot rockin action on Synthetix for this week's Weekend Update! Time to get your neon lit and your hight tops on for some of the highlights from the 80s inspired synth scene.

There's a bit of a trend towrds the more esoteric and atmospheric side of 80s synth in this Weekend Update and setting the tone right from the outset is Garth Knight's powerfully emotive new piece of sexxxy synth work called Solid State. This is a slowed down and sensual bass line driven work of searing possibilities and midnight rendezvous, smoooth.




Keeping the mood mellowed and bringing in some more of the late night synth action is LA Dreams' new track Westbound Late Train. Chill vibes and moonlit melodies are the romantic core of this experience.The darkness is obscured by the passion when the solo hits and the night explodes into a crescendo of after hours 80s ellicitations.




Andy Fink cranks up the synth drama in the demo of his new track 2912. This is looking like being a huge track, with blockbuster synth leads and a star studded cast of classic 80s sounds. Even at this early stage I think this going to be super special, the mood and builds are already very special.




While we're on exciting promises of things to come a short teaser for a new Jupiter Gang track surfaced recently that definitely lights my fire. The track is Starz and it's a gloriously funky adventure into 80s electro synth. Jupiter Gang does this style so perfectly, every new track is another text book in this style. Total brilliance.




Betamaxx has been getting a lot of my attention of late and his track Liquid Skies is testament to this. This is a superb piece of supremely spatial 80s synth love. The uplifting melodies and the crisp rimshot echo lead to an explosion of inspirational beauty. This track is up for FREE download too, so get on it!




Lazerhawk's shared a new odyssey in ethereal and haunting synth with his track Limit City. As a soundtrack to your most foreboding nightmare this track will push you over the edge. The wraith-like melodies are distilled terror and when the panic is elevated to fever pitch your only option is to succumb to the madness.




To finish up this week's Weekend Update we have a new video from Arcade High. This is very special in that it's not only the first official video for an Arcade High song, but also the first with a vocal track. This is a great piece of 80s synth romance, and I defy this not to give you a warm glow this weekend.




I hope you enjoyed this week's Weekend Update on Synthetix and I hope it brought some more 80s magic into your weekend. I look forward to bringing you more rockin tunes from the world of 80s synth music next week.

Synthetix Weekend Update

It's Weekend Update time once again on Synthetix, so let's get a rockin' and a rollin' into some of this past week's highlights.

First of we've got a magnificent new demo from 80s Stallone. Entitled Expectations this yet another shining example of this artists skillful work. The man has a gift for creating perfect, catchy synth melodies and Expectations, even in this demo form, sounds like it's going to be another instant-classic from this producer.




NeonFlashDrive keeps going from strength to strength with his music and he's refining his sound with each new release. Teenage Dream has a gorgeous (what I'd call) 80s euro-synth melody over the top of a brightly coloured main melody, giving both a beauitufl contrast. Beautiful music.

 


One of my favourite 80s inspired acts that always leave me wanting more is Jupiter Gang. Their brand of 80s electro funk synth is totally entrancing and always pack with catchy hooks. This new track is even more glittering funk gold. I'm really hoping an album or EP surfaces from Jupiter Gang soon.

 


Lost Years has been channelling Jan Hammer from the sounds of his latest teaser: The Harbour Heist. This is pure action drama soundtrack synth work from one of the modern masters. In just under a minute Lost Years puts you in a time and place perfectly. I'm hoping this develops into a six or seven minute epic.

 


I was originally planning on covering the demo of Vector Hold's Tough Turf in this Weekend Update but this producer has finalised this track in the meantime, which gives me even greater pleasure. A sterling example of refined melodies and laser guided arrangements with pin point accuracy. This is next-level work from Vector Hold and raises the bar very high for his future efforts.

 


Our last stop on this week's Weekend Update is a tantalising teaser for a new project from Mitch Murder. I'll let you make your own interpretations for what this cryptic message means, but I know one thing that's guaranteed with any new Mitch Murder release: 1000% excitement!

 


Next week on Synthetix I'll be covering some exciting news from Aphasia Records and Telefuture Records as well as the stupendous new song from Patrick Baker along with even more synth-scapades in 80s inspired synth scene.