Synthetix Weekend Update

Another big week in the dimension where the 80s never ended has come to pass and with it came a superb range of quality hard rockin tunes to give you those warm, neon synth magic feelings.

Compilation season keeps on rockin and a huge new release from Playmaker should be number one on your hit list this week for maximum rockin action. 2014 Big Apple Crime Force is host to fourteen high impact anthems to clean up the streets and bring justice where there is chaos. White hot synth drama from the likes of 80s Stallone, Dan Terminus, Who Ha, Absolute Valentine, Palm Highway Chase, WARD-IZ and Playmaker's own Discoballistic and Twilight Racing are amongst a battalion of high calibre 80s synth munitions experts ready for a war on crime. Sporting some of the most kick arse artwork I've seen this year courtesy Basil Murad, this release is available in digital formats as well as super hard rockin cassette and poster pack via Playmaker's Bandcamp page here.




Let's get ready to take off on a wild adventure beyond the clouds and into the stratosphere with this week's AIRBORNE features!

Miami Beach Force - The Revenge A soundtrack to dire consequences from steamy deceit is exposed and described via Miami Beach Force on their new EP. The duo has gone for a complete concept release that has been arranged as a narrative driven soundtrack and opted for a great deal more atmosphere than their previous work. The synths are heavier and darker with a cool, calculated energy that squeezes and chokes the tension out of every track. Even the Italo coloured title track is full of uncertainty, tension and danger and the fast paced 'Moving Target' continues to sweat bullets in the face of danger. The Revenge is a wild ride full of double crosses and dark forces you'll be left breathless by.


Dream Force Universe - Turbo Times Dream Force Universe takes the condensed approach to his music on his latest release as the track lengths are kept low, but the action is kept high. Tubo Times consists of five succinctly engineered pieces of retro synth action that get in, deliver their payload and get out. The arrangements are well constructed and Dream Forces Universe's understanding of 80s melodies and giving them a modern gloss is a skill he's definitely refining. Highlights include the dark and ominous 'Cyborg Manufactury' and the gloriously chintzy 'Hoverboard Highway'.


Dana's Vision - Out-Thrashin' Opting for a soundtrack thematic of a different kind we have Dana's Vision with the beat 'em up videogame inspired Out-Thrashin'. By combining 80s soundtrack arrangements with an inspirational palette of videogame sounds Dana's Vision has made an action packed adventure that crosses over between straight up 80s inspired synth and classic game soundtracks. The minimalism of the synthscapes also brings in some rockin 70s atmosphere to the more ambient tracks but the music rocks the hardest on pieces like 'The Hardest Hits', the title track and the climactic final boss confrontation 'The Street Brawl Relish [Hitachi II's Nightvision]'. The ideal soundtrack for when you're out beating up street thugs on a quest of vengeance, picking up pipes and roasts along the way.

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First rocker of the block for this week's Weekend Update is a new producer to Synthetix.FM going by the name of Evergreen PM with his new powerhouse 'Sunset Mission'. The haunting refrain and superbly programmed percussion really help make this piece blend old and new ideas exceedingly well. Many thanks to Keira Saffron Jones for enlightening me to this producer.




Laurence McFunk is one hell of a rocker of the classic 80s sounds and his new track 'SECAM' adds a new layer of intrigue to the McFunk experience. The tension builds with the melody as the groove cuts deep and smooth. The structures run into futuristic visions of synthual delights and tell a wonderfully rich story. This killer track is currently available for FREE download via the player too.




A track that's been getting a lot of love in the Synthetix.FM Plug.DJ this week is the high powered dark synth monolith fabricated by VHS Glitch: 'Meet The Cure'. The synths rock harder than a melonfarmer and energies run as high and fast as the action with dark synth styles merging delectable well with 70s soundtrack work. Totally rockin and sure to get thirsting for justice. You can pick up a copy of this track on VHS Glitch's Bandcamp page here.




Rolling with the punches and trading blow for blow is the new one from Kick Puncher. 'Roadhouse Takedown' gets all Swayzied up as the synths strike with power and menace in an all out brawl of digital violence. The pace is deliberate and forceful, keeping the focus on the sharply exacted melodies while exploring their facets with much dexterity.




Another new rocker to Synthetix.FM that's been getting much love on soundcloud and Project Friday this week is the eloquently named S U N G with his extreme velocity OutRun track 'Way Farer'. The sheer presence of the production is rockin all over and the action refuses to abate with the chase picking up speed amongst a crescendo of synths and guitars. Totally rad and available for purchase on S U N G's Bandcamp page here.




Staying out on the streets but this time on the sidewalk with boombox in hand and cardboard on the concrete is She Said (SYNTH IS DEAD!) with 'Break That Beat'. The amalgamation of electro breakin' percussion and rhythms with an eclectic and intriguing lead melody creates something very kick arse indeed.




RWR takes a trip into more ethereal dimensions in his latest track 'Dopamine (The Power Of Love)' and creates a whole new universe of possibilities in the process. The slower approach to the RWR hallmarks is intoxicatingly fresh and emotionally rich in its make up. Beautiful music that is currently available for FREE download via the player.




MUSCLE's back and rockin with his latest work of synth elegance in 'Steamrollin'' which captures that flextacular MUSCLE energy we here at Synthetix.FM just can't get enough of. MUSCLE's also announced his second EP will be due out this year, which after the totally kick arse experience that was the first EP certainly has me foaming at the mouth in anticipation. For now we can rock his great new 'Steamrollin'' track which is currently FREE to download, so get pumpin and crank it hard.




Time for some hot new synth pop action on Synthetix.FM and this past week I was hugely enamoured with the new track from Coska called 'Benjamin'. The synths soar with pure 80s pop drama that channels the perfect vintage inspirations and fashions them into something totally rad. 'Benjamin' officially out on the 23rd of May on Solina Records, so get tuned into Solina Records here and get it rockin!




It's been a while since we've had the pleasure of Neon Vandal's company on Synthetix.FM as his recent creations haven't really fit the styles I like to cover on here. This is has changed entirely thanks to his amazing new track 'NIGHTDRIVE'. This is some seriously brilliant atmospheric synth magic with a wonderful and richly explored synthscape that is thoroughly immersive. A stunning experience.




Regular readers of Synthetix.FM will already be well aware of my love affair with Sternrekorder's music and he's managed to take my heart even more with his absolutely gorgeous new track 'Erwin'. The atmosphere is flawless and the melodies are completely entrancing. Sternrekorder also shared another stellar track this week in 'Horizont' which I encourage everyone to experience too.




While we're on the subject of some of my favourite producers, scene legend Mitch Murder released another wonderful piece of kick arse 80s synth with 'From The Future'. There are few producers around with Mitch Murder's understanding of 80s melody creation and the structures he makes them come alive in and this is yet another example of his prowess and craftsmanship.




Palm Highway Chase has once again shown why he's such a valuable producer in the 80s inspired synth scene with his latest work 'Rainy Countach Drive'. Melodies are dreamy and magical with a glowing presence that is bewitching and hypnotising. The tone of this track is completely perfect and gives a refined elegance to the piece.




New from Kiile is another great new track called 'Universe VII'. The Jeff Spicoli samples during the introductory passage then take off into the cosmos where the questions of our roles as humans and what we need to make us happy becomes more introspective. But sometimes tasty waves and a cool buzz is really what life is all about. Keep on rockin, Kiile!




2014 has been a spectacular year thus far for Alpha Boy. In the last five months this producer has explored so much new and exciting territory with each release that it's hard to keep up. In 'Tropical Passion' he creates an incredibly lush atmosphere that really conveys tropical sights and sounds beautifully. You can buy your own copy of 'Tropical Passion' via the player.





This week's video feature is from the official 80s synth scene auteur par excellence and part time Daniel Craig stand-in Neros77 with his winning combination of Cobra Copter's 'End Of An Era' and 'Cold Empire' against the backdrop of 1989's video blockbuster Cyborg. Sit back, relax and get rockin!



That does us for another monster sized Weekend Update on Synthetix.FM. I'll be back during the week with more hot rockin tunes to keep your 80s colours strong and vibrant.

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

Synthetix Weekend Update

As the year rolls along new producers appear and others fade away, seldom are producers permanent fixtures but such is the way. The circle of life in the 80s inspired synth world ebbs and flows with each week that passes and it is unfortunate that this week we say good bye to Cougar Synth. The duo has removed their presence from all online services and called it a day. The back story to this is unknown to me and in all honesty is unimportant; when anyone makes a decision to end a project we have every right to grieve but no right to demand explanations. We should instead rejoice in the beautiful music Cougar Synth shared with us and appreciate the time they gave us. Synthetix.FM wishes both members a bright future elsewhere on our little blue planet.

In happier news, compilation season continues with a totally rockin new release from Future 80s Records with their Compilation Vol. II . Thirty two tracks provide a smorgasbord of 80s synth delicacies from the rich stable of Future 80s talent including the likes of Absolute Valentine, Niky Nine,  Python Blue, James Baker, Preqwal, Riddlis, Scream & Dive,  Run Vaylor, Tokyo Rider and a whole mess of other Synthetix.FM favourites. You can pick up a copy of this via the Future 80s Bandcamp page here.

Time to  pull back the throttle and take off in the wild blue yonder of 80s inspired synth magic with this week's edition of AIRBORNE!

Orax - After Death Orax is back and rockin with his new EP After Death. The Orax sound is always full of energy and this producer is one to experiment with new sounds that break the mould. His arrangements on this EP have been stepped up dramatically as each of the seven tracks contain well detailed narratives that explore their structures with much care. The use of more acoustically powered instruments in many of the tracks is to be applauded. It's an eclectic EP that journeys through many styles and genres and Orax rocks each one of them in a most rad of manners.


Jeffery Horne - Power Pop Jeffery Horne is a new rocker on the scene that has been signed up to Future 80s Records and his debut EP is a marvellous excursion into late 80s Italo and Europ pop sounds. His melodies are definitely a strong point of his writing, especially in gems like 'There Are Times' and 'Memory' which hook deep with catchy refrains of total 80s wonderment. I'm definitely looking forward to sharing in Jeffery Horne's musical journey in the coming months.



Satori In Bed - Acapulco 1984 This EP came out at the end of March but I only became aware of it this past week. The Satori In Bed experience is a verdantly textured and varied experience in 80s sounds that range from totally incredible pop stylings on 'Black Star' through to the synth funk odyssey of 'La Quebrada'. This record is definitely a mixture of 80s driven feelings but they're all superbly rendered, full of colour, life and delectably written passages. Satori In Bed is definitely one of the most promising new acts in the scene.

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First rocker up on the blocks for this week's Weekend Update is Infinity Cobra with his brand new track 'Fancy Drive 2'. I'm a fan of anything with 'fancy' in the title and this track is no exception. The meandering melodies give the track an easy flowing nature over the staccato percussion making for an interestingly contrasting experience. This available for FREE download via the button in the player.




Analogue Clones are turning the rock up in and kicking much arse in their new track 'Don't Fight The Night'. This sprawling epic is innately fused with the darker aspects of 80s horror synths sounds and evolves from a darkened fearful night in a guitar drenched chase of terror. Marvellously constructed and executed.




 A danger of a different kind comes into play with Foreign Blades new track 'Meeting At Villa Vizcaya' where sparkling seaside melodies lead to a binge of drugs and violence in the Florida sun. The pace is electric and the melodies intimate dangers around every corner as the inevitable conclusion leaves a wake of bloodstained white powder for the authorities to clean up. This track is currently available for FREE download.




Rockin into some smooth night moods with sexy synths and alluring beats is the hot new Synth Funk track from SaiR entitled 'Wonderer'. The production is glass smooth and melodies bounce with inquisitive passages that funk it up to the max. You can pick up a copy of this great track on SaiR's Bandcamp page here.




Keeping things bedroom-oriented is the sensually enticing new piece from Mr Maen appropriately titled 'Slow Love'. This heavenly slice of gorgeous Synth Romance is spectacularly written with uncomplicated passages full of emotional yearning and delicate melodies. Definitely one of Mr Maen's finest releases thus far, you can pick up a FREE copy of this ultimate late night anthem via the download button on the soundcloud page for 'Slow Love'.




Waveshaper's rockin new track, 'Chasing The Clone Of Myself', caught my attention and refused to let go this week. The narrative explored is deep but also very poignantly in a manner that draws the listener in and takes them on a ride full of twists and turns. The opening parts set the perfect scene which is then torn asunder in the proceeding chapters. This is killer track currently available for FREE download too.




I've been a long time fan Magic Sword's brand of 80s soundtrack synth work and the seemingly endless wait for the digital release of their full length album is now very close to over. I have it on authority from Magic Sword themselves that we'll be getting their album within the couple of months, which is totally kick arse. In the meantime we have their hot new track 'Legend Of The Keeper' to rock hard, which is featured on Internet Piracy Records Compilation Vol. 1.




Street Justice is exploring and evolving his craft with each new track and on his new work we're treated to a wonderfully lavish journey into synthual pleasures. 'Your Memories Are Fabrications' takes a slow and calculated approach that allows for all manner of deftly implemented nuances to add layers of intrigue to the experience. Currently available for FREE download, rock it while you can.




Time to get a bit cosmic in this week's Weekend Update courtesy of Falconhoof and his new Space Synth adventure 'Breaking Orbit'. The drama ramps up higher through each act as each synth stab moves in time with the cosmic pulse of outer space. The final conclusion to this piece is sure to have you breaking your earthly bonds and ascending into void above.




The crossover with 80s inspired synth and vaporwave is something I'm very excited about. How these elemental forces will cross over and become something all together new piques my interest greatly. We get to experience shades of this in Wulf new kick arse piece 'Beach Cruisin' 85'. The lion's share of the experience is rife with sunlit energies and bright, energetic percussion while a hazy vapor infused ending completes things. Very nice work indeed.




Glass Apple Bonzai has returned with a rad new song 'My Alliance To Science'. This ode to man's investigative knowledge is spectacularly articulate and the song writing is right on point for classic mid 80s pop rockin. This producer really does create terrific 80s homages and that he's included an extended 12" mix of the track as the B side endears me even more to his work. You can pick this up via the player at a name-your-own-price point on Bandcamp and I encourage everyone to dig deep and support the Glass Apple Bonzai project.



Mullet Records continues to fly the 80s flag with their latest sing from Joeblack featuring Robin S called 'Show Me Love'. The production is slick and lusciously 80s with funky synths and imploringly soulful vocals. The late 80s funk synth pop soul burns bright and strong in this great song and you can pick up a copy exclusively via Juno Download here.




KFDDA is rockin a delightfully lush atmosphere in his latest piece 'ゾラドメイン (Zola Domein)'. The uncluttered approach to the layers of synths allow for rolling melodies to flow gently through rivers of melody in buoyant seas that crest and fall with natural power. It's a captivating experience from beginning to end and is also available for FREE download via the track's soundcloud page.




The atmospheric tones are also strong in the latest track from Kick Puncher. This rocker really creates a full and exciting experience in his new track 'Third Sun'. The drama is ever present while he elucidates finer details in the snappy lead melodies. A rich narrative drives the track into refined set pieces that will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat.




Our video feature for this week's Weekend Update is a superb work of editing by Jean-Pierre Van Damme that fuses the electrified rock energy of Jon Of The Shred and the Australian classic Mad Max 2. The final stages of Mad Max 2 are perfectly cut with Jon Of The Shred's 'The Chase Begins', maling for a high impact rock and roll extravaganza of violence and mayhem!


Jon of the Shred - The Chase Begins from Jean-Pierre Van Damme on Vimeo.


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

Synthetix Weekend Update

Welcome to this week's Weekend Update on Synthetix.FM. There's a hot new show in town, rockin every Sunday on Radio Pure Gently titled Synthwave Sundays hosted be longtime scene devotee Marko Maric. Marko's programming great tunes from the 80s inspired synth scene every week and is also doing a lot of interviews with the most rad producers. Check out the link to Radio Pure Gently on the right hand side bar for local times when it airs and make sure you catch up on the previous episodes. Synthetix.FM is honoured to be a supporter of this initiative and looks forward to a bright neon future with RPG and Synthwave Sundays!

In other news in four days the Kickstarter for Nick Sabia's Valrosa Beach ends and is still requiring a large portion of money required to make it become a reality. This movie is combining a whole mess of quality 80s influences and a lot of exciting techniques for using pixel art effects in the video. Get behind this project and dig deep to make this happen! Click here to check out their very in depth Kickstarter page for lots more info.

AIRBORNE This Week

Timecop 1983 - Childhood Memories - Hot on the heels of his wonderful debut, Synthetic Romance, is another stunning release from Timecop 1983. Filled with more emotive synth beauty and featuring the great 'Timescapes' collaboration with Femmepop. Rock the limited edition cassette release asap!!

Yannis Rianta - City Whispers - Smooth and sensual synth pop with a penchant for the funkier side of things. City Whispers is full of 80s homage and some exceptional songwriting sure to create the right kind of warmth right where you need it. Highly recommended for fans of Chromeo's late night work.

Goldbaum - Goldbaum - Mixtures of vintage and modern sounds collide with this eight track album covering a myriad of synthscapes. From early 80s European styles through to hard action ChipTune coloured pieces. Lots of great ideas are presented on this album, definitely a producer I'll be watching.

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Time to get drifting and dreamy with the great new track from She Said (Judge Dredd) 'Sara'. The synthscape is alive with electrifying passages with a production that is raw and passionate. Haunting and stunning in it's delivery, an enlightening experience. 

Robert Parker is quickly becoming one of my favourite new producers in the scene. His grasp on the subtleties of 80s sounds is incredibly tight and each new track I hear from him is even more inspirational than the last. 'Great Expectations' is currently available for FREE download too.




It's been a while since we've had some honest to goodness Ninja Synth on Synthetix.FM so it brings me great pleasure to share with you the latest tune from Danas Vision entitled 'Kung Fu Master'. This homage to the classic video game is rife with Eastern synth magic and martial arts thrills and spills. Currently available for FREE download.




Nearly a year's time has elapsed between track from Alexino on his soundcloud but it's definitely been worth the wait as his new piece, 'Under The Dome'. Reminiscent of the likes of Tommy in many respects this track keeps emotions deep and melodies rich with languid gait that feels like a slow motion embrace.




Waveshaper's got his action rockin with much power in his new track 'To The Top'. Huge melodies are built upon with tidal force, marching into new horizons with a single minded determination. Inspiring and uplifting this track is sure to take you over the top!




While Betamaxx was digging around in his vast collections of music he uncovered an older track previously unshared. He remedied this situation by uploading 'Heated' this week and making it available for FREE download. Totally rockin 80s vibes and Betamaxx magic out the ying yang on this gem.




Block35 is a new producer to Synthetix.FM of whom I know very little aside from the fact their new track is totally rockin to the max. 'Chasing Trams' evolves it's melody with delicate nuance into soaring dimensions of brilliance. This piece is thoroughly beautiful in it's presentation and tone and I encourage you to get out there and give some love to Block35. You can pick up a copy of this wonderful experience on the Block35 Bandcamp page here at a name-your-own-price point.




Pulse80 and Quasars have joined forces and created a spectacular new work entitled 'Invisible Meridians'. Sumptuous space synth atmospheres are explored with hugely catchy melodies and luscious leads. It's many passages are entrancing and captivating, really giving both producers full license to take to the stars. Currently available for FREE download this track is a must-have experience.




PH Groove keeps on rockin sensational Italo vibes in his killer new track 'Arcade Feel'. As is always the case with PH Groove's music the bassline is funky and the synths are sweltering in an epic tale of dancefloor passions. Infectiously structured for maximum groove penetration this piece is currently available for FREE download.




Taking Italo synthscapes right back to the classic sounds is the great new song from Blue Star Project 'Open Your Heart'. From the orchestral stabs to the classically delivered vocal this right on the mark for sparking of that Italo magic into a blaze of 80s magic. A Radio Edit as well a totally kick arse Extended Version are available at a name your-own-price point.



Kicking the drama into high gear is the killer new jam from Laurence McFunk: 'California Gasoline Commando'. Building like a storm this saga of good versus evil in the wastelands of tomorrow rocks harder than a melonfarmer in it's vast soundtrack odyssey. Available for FREE download currently too.




Any time is the right time for some sexxxy sax action and Super Vox's hot new 'Sax Theme' gives us lots to love. Tropical Italo vibes lead the way for the cool night time, with cool breezes coming in from the coast, buoyed by bouncing melodies and that sweet sax




Manolis continues to blow my mind and expand his horizons with every new track he shares and 'The Bait' continues this trend. Incredibly lush synthscapes and tightly packed details just brimming with glowing 80s love. Polished to a mirror chrome finish this track is k-rad to the max and is also available currently for FREE download to boot!




Pyramid Aeon is defining his own sound more and more as we travel with him on his 80s musical journey. 'Better Days' find his sound taking some very inspiring cues from modern and vintage elements to create something rather special. The piano refrain is one of the real highlights of the experience but the full excursion is massively rewarding. Available for FREE download via Pyramid Aeon's Bandcamp page here.




Another debut producer for this week's Weekend Update is Australia's own Kick Puncher with his brooding Dark Synth track 'Highway Knight'. This rocker certainly knows how to combine the magic of 70s horror soundtrack synth and heart pumping pulsations of 80s denominations.





Another hot collaboration this time with Tommy and Sally Shapiro rockin some intimate and delicate disco coloured synth pop magic. 'Why Did I Say Goodbye' has a fabulous air of 2010 about it's presence that is still intoxicating with the blend of old and new sounds always sounding fresh and vibrant.




Our video feature for this week's Weekend Update comes from Germany's Puls with their amazing new song 'Du Gehst'. These rockers are totally killing the 80s rock synth sound to the max and I'm sure your pulse will be racing in no time with this superb music video. You can download a copy of this kick arse song via their Facebook page here too. Many thanks to Action Jackson for enlightening me to the Puls magic!



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.