Lost Years' Venom

By Lachie Hunt


Lost Years is best known for his work on the 2015 film Kung Fury, which is how I discovered him. A friend was actually given one of the tracks from Kung Fury as an example of what he should try to aim towards in his own soundtrack work. Seeing that really made me take notice of Kung Fury and Lost Years' effects on the retro scene in general. Kung Fury has now almost become synonymous with the retro synth scene, and Lost Years is a large part of it.

As far as new full length releases go, a new Lost Years hasn't come out since 2013 with Amplifier. The first release from Lost Years was a super strong 3 track EP, setting the precedent for his trademark hard rolling bass and synth stabs, along with his unique of percussion and panning. Nuclear EP was then followed by Black Waves, a fourteen track, one hour long beast of an album. Tracks like 'West Side Lane' and 'The Harbour Heist' were fantastic continuations of the styles built into Nuclear. Meanwhile, tracks such as 'Temptations' and 'Cold' were of a slower, more emotional style.

Amplifier in contrast was a shorter more danceable release, with ten shorter tracks. The one-two combo punch of 'Breacher' and 'Red Horizon' are still my favourite tracks Lost Years has made. The more ambient style continued through into a few tracks here still, with seemingly less action in them to make up for the more intense tracks. All through these releases the production has been on point, with every track's mix something to look towards for aspiring producers such as myself.



That brings us to now, early 2016. Venom, released with little fanfare, and the only promotion I could see being done by Rosso Corsa before launch was a post saying a new Lost Years release was incoming. That being said, for Lost Years that was probably enough. The cover art, as always, is fantastic although this time it seems to be a little harder on the eyes, although I'm not complaining.

First up, 'A Start Is the Beginning of an End'. This is where the first difference between this and the other releases come in. The production in general sounds much clearer and louder, and it's obvious that Lost Years has decided to go for quality over quantity in his tracks. The track itself is a thirty two second long intro that features a fast arp and really just showcases the improved sound. Its sole purpose seems to be exactly that, as it appears to be the only real filler track Lost Years has done.

'Cross the Line'is where the real release begins however. The intro features a bassline arp that's capable of dredging up old memories from 'The Harbour Heist', with what sounds like a Jupiter bass in the background, the droning adding to the vibe of the song. The usual synth stabs and panned percussion hits mixed with a few different styles of lead help to keep the song fresh along the length of it.

'Skies of Blood' is a little of a misleading title for this sort of song. If you're familiar with previous Lost Years releases, the closest track to this is 'Park Avenue 1989', a song heavily featuring samples from 1989 talking about the Berlin Wall. Fun fact - both these tracks are the third tracks on their releases, which leads me to believe that this was intentional, a sort of spiritual successor if you will.

'Skies Of Blood' is the most chilled out song on the release with a low bass constantly going in the background and an almost saxophone sounding lead tying it all together through the song alongside a plucked synth that sounds amazing. The use of reverb here is astounding, every part of the song is drenched in it.

'Snakebite' feels very different to other tracks Lost Years has produced. The use of additional percussion here is minimal apart from a few tom fills, which is a welcome break. It features the brass stabs and varied synth leads most of his songs do, but here it feels more chilled out, and the bassline feels a little more relaxed.

'The Connection' is the most nostalgic track for me out of the bunch, while 'Skies of Blood' sounds familiar; this song just fills me with the feelings I had back when I started getting into synthwave, trying to produce a track with a plucked string VST in an open source Digital Audio Workstation. The song just takes me back and of course it's markedly in execution than my attempt.

The song itself seems underwhelming at first, a trademark Lost Years bassline with a hard sync lead below it. However at around the 1:30 Mark, a powerful pluck kicks in that is one of my favourite melodies of the year. The arp used in the background in between these sections is classic Lost Years, fast with gaps in it. This track is easily my favourite from the release.

The title track, 'Venom', wastes no time into throwing the listener into a hard bassline and some neat background pads alongside a heap of nice plucks and a large use of synth leads. The melodies here are fantastic as well, constantly being switched out for new lines and sounding great at every turn.

'In Vain' features a vocal sample leading into the main track. It reminds me of something like Crockett's tracks, but with a unique Lost Years element to it. The toms used here are far harder, alongside the reverb 707 that almost clips. The song really just sounds frantic and dark, possibly the darkest Lost Years has ever gone. However I feel the changeover of a few melodies and parts could have been made a little smoother, though that's just my personal opinion.

Venom as a whole is a future classic that should be looked at as an example of how to do fantastic synthwave that covers a variety of tones while keeping the same sound aestheically. Every song here sounds far more memorable as a whole than past Lost Years releases, not that those were forgettable at all, but in those tracks like 'West Side Lane' over shone the rest. Here every track feels up to the same high quality.

Rosso Corsa Records presents Lost Years' Venom on their Bandcamp here.  It's also available on  Lost Years' Soundcloud here and will presumably show up on Spotify at some point. This release comes very, very higly recommended from Synthetix.FM.

Synthetix Sundays

Synthetix Sundays is back for more rockin good times on Radio Pure Gently tonight! Marko's got a kick arse show lined up with interviews with Kiile/Kirk Gadget and Protector 101 returns to discuss his new record.

Tune in for all the regular segments with Paul Daly, Synthetix Spotlight and Quality Time With Shithouse. And all the usual giveaway festivities and hot rockin tunes from the scene plus an incredible exclusive track to premier from Protector 101!


Tune in to Synthetix Sundays LIVE on Radio Pure Gently here, at 10pm Perth, Australia time. Please click here to find out when this is in your part of the world. As always the fully downloadable show will be posted here on Monday along with feature tracks from Quality Time With Shithouse.

Quality Time With Shithouse Featured Tracks

Lost Years Cranks Up The Amplifier

Coming into the back end of 2013 the big releases will keep on hitting with alarming regularity as the culmination of the year's work is allowed to plumpen into deliciously ripe fruit, bursting with vitality and ready to rock you into aural bliss. We've shared the journey in many of these cases, and in the case of Lost Years, we've been treated to many previews and teasers throughout the year as each piece takes form and is reshaped into it's final manifestation.

Much like an excellent professional wrestling match with it's ebbs and flows and well laid out set pieces, the climax of this adventure is at hand as Lost Years' Amplifier is now available for our delectation and inspiration. Just like a great conflict between the face and the heel, Lost Years has performed the swerve of the year and has released an album I wasn't quite prepared for. I'd been lead to believe through much of Lost Years' tracks shared this year that his 2013 love affair with Italo Disco was leading to a new album primarily focused on this genre. This was to be merely the tip of the iceberg.



In Amplifier, we not only get these killer Italo sounds but also a myriad of other, previously unexperienced, gems that are full of Lost Years synth magic and get travel many new (and familiar) universes with a divine craftsmanship present in every episode of Amplifier's cast. The Lost Years sound has taken great strides since 2012's Black Waves, as a composer and storyteller the musical depth of Amplifier is a step forward on every conceivable level.

In 2013 Lost Years appears to have developed a funkier sound. It would appear that Black Waves' 'Electro Clash' track became a bold new direction this producer as much of the more dramatic OutRun driven sounds are traded in for a richer melodic experience where funk elements are never far away. Lost Years has reinvented his sound by taking away the darker aspects and replacing them with delicate melodies and catchier hooks. One need only experience the opening title track to hear this change first hand. Melodic drama is eschewed and replaced with sweet melodies and dancing xylophone flourishes. The structure of the track also moves into different moods with delightful segues and uplifting refrains.

The second track, 'Convertor' is an incredibly engaging evolved-OutRun experience that is so catchy it's almost deadly with it's deep level infection. The pace is middling, not foot-to floor high speed chase, no, this piece moves with melodic inertia, swerving left and then easing right, gently accelerating through the inclines and coasting majestically with the pitch of the descending asphalt. Movement is effortless and natural, never panicked and utterly captivating.

These smoother, creamier sounds, full of flavoursome elements and robust nuances are hallmarks of the Amplifier experience. 'Park Avenue 1989' has evolved into a sultry bedroom anthem, rife with passions and fervent tristes, salacious and sweaty with echoes of lustful souls swirling in the heavy night air. It's pure synth erotica, intimately building to an earthshaking climax and into a lingering after glow of unbridled ecstasy.

More traditional Lost Years sounds lead us into 'Controlled Faith', however there is a temperance and control to the track, a refinement to the delivery of the music that elevates it into new realms. Small details create big reactions, and again the exquisite melodies sit beautifully astride powerful drum fills and marching rhythms. Lead after lead take us into new, exciting places and the dimensions traversed seem to multiply through every passage.

Much of the Lost Years experience is 'lead heavy' in that it's the massive synth leads that are allowed to tell the story and intimate the ideas. These leads are again driving into inexorable rapture in 'The Other Side Of You'. This tracks demands to be listened to numerous times to fully appreciate it's depth of narrative with sweeping synth caresses diving and soaring with incredibly detailed emotional depth, it's very nearly a Synth Romance experience, very nearly. But Lost Years always does a great job at making my job of defining his musical styles a very hard task indeed.

The combinations of synthscapes that Lost Years blends appears to be a focus of Amplifier. 'The Second' dances about with more funky synths and lighter than air melodies lend pastel colours to otherwise very street-wise sounds. It's engaging and balanced, coercing the listener into worlds where only Lost Years knows the rules.  The musical melange is continued in 'Breacher' with Italo Space Disco sounds given the treatment with rousing energies that tell triumphant stories of cosmic grandeur.

Although drama is not the driving force on Amplifier it is used in elemental manners that allow for more varied interpretations. Near panic is initiated in the opening passages of 'Red Horizon' as heart rates rise in time with rhythms, however we are soon guided into an oasis of idyllic melodies away from the maddening forces and even the marching beat seems to be comforting rather than threatening.

It brought me great pleasure to hear that Lost Years had included a stellar sequel to Black Waves' 'Electro Clash' in the absolutely kick arse 'Remedies'. This inspirational electro rockin jam is frenetic and unrelenting in it's delivery, a full force impact of synth funk breaks blasted over intricately sharpened percussion. An instant classic if there ever was one and one of the loftier high points on the album.

The final piece on Amplifier is the American Psycho homage 'I Am Simply Not There' and in this finale Lost Years takes things into his darker milieu as a synth miasma descends, enshrouding the ambiance in a malevolent aural haze. The meandering melodies take you into the the mindful shadows of our subconscious desires, a fitting end the bridges the many world's Lost Years has shown us throughout the album.

Rossa Corsa Records presents Lost Years' Amplifier album on their Bandcamp page here. On this record Lost Years has consistently raised the bar on his brand of 80s inspired synth music. Not only is the musicianship wonderfully engaging but also the overall production is covered in a glossy polish that makes every instrument sparkle with a brilliant chrome finish. Across the ten chapters of Amplifier we are treated to many varied synth experiences that are all crafted with care and emotional investment from the composer. Amplifier is a definitive Synthetix Reference Experience and is a stellar example of how powerful 80s emotions can be captured by modern musicians and retold with vision, homage and passion.

Synthetix Weekend Update

This week's been exceptionally productive in the 80s inspired synth scene, it would seem that with the most 80s of holidays only a month away that producers are preparing for an onslaught of hot rockin tunes. Halloween on Synethix.FM will definitely be one to remember, but more on that in future posts.

Right now we have a huge amount of quality tunes to rock into, so lets take a trip into the past via the future with the new Synthetix Weekend Update!!

Aysyne's fast becoming a force to be reckoned with as each new track he shares expands his musical palette. On 'Ascend' we get to experience a stunningly beautiful lead melody that is given more weight with the dreamy synth accents. It's a joy to experience and is definitely one of Aysyne's strongest tracks.




Next up is a breezy new jam from Danger Mode, appropriately titled 'Timeless'.  Melodic exploration of passionate themes is the order of the day as synths are allowed to ebb and flow with subtlety and delight. This track is currently available for FREE download, many thanks to Vincenzo Salvia for sharing the hype on this one.




Grooveworthy is planning the launch of his Information Age EP in November and has shared a preview of the release. This should be a super exciting release as Grooveworthy's constantly pushing his own creativity and refining his sounds. The music featured includes the absolutely epic 'Information Superhighway' and is keeping the theme of 'emerging' internet technology as the theme. To get to know a bit more about Grooveworthy be sure to check out this week's episode of Beyond Synth that features an very entertaining interview with him here.




It was very interesting this week that two tracks found me that are very similar yet very different. Both are themed around the initial arcade game craze of the early 80s and are laced with samples and driving melodies. The first of these is 'VideoGameCraze', the first track to be shared publicly by Grand National. The soundscape is kept tight and on the minimalist end of the spectrum as news and game samples rock with the delightfully twee lead melody.




 Botnit's new track, 'Hi-Score' expands upon the theme further as the high energy OutRun music creates a great tension to the atmosphere. The sample usage also pushes towards these ends as the dark sides of the industry and addiction creep into the frame.  Both these tracks are kick arse in the own rights and make for a great double play experience.




Foreign Blade has graced us with a hot track this week that packs in the drama going by the name of 'Calling Mr. Big Shot'. Keeping things dark and brooding the music alludes to higher powers and glimmers of humanity amid the corporate back biting and hunger for power. This track is currently available for FREE download, so get it rockin as soon as possible.




Future City Records released a hot new three track EP by the rock hard Thunderclaw this week and it's definitely an experience in heavy handed radness. This Miami Vice themed experience combines high energy electro rockin action in strong doses. 'Recoleta' opens things up with smoothly ambient synths that are then blasted into sunset by high voltage electro passages. The combination typifies the contrasting nature of the Thunderclaw experience.

Moods shift darker and become more singularly minded with track two 'Castillo'. Haunting melodies fuelled with night time dangers and begin to choke with intensity. The Thunderclaw soundscape seems to be often pushed to breaking point to enhance the visceral nature of the narratives containing. The third chapter, 'Abel' is a fine example of this style of modern presentation with vintage music to allow for the contrast of beauty and brutality to co-exist in a timeless dimension.

You can pick up the B.A. EP from Thunderclaw through the link in the player below and I'd definitely encourage you to take a three part ride down the dark side of the Florida Key's with Thunderclaw at the helm.



Lets keep in the shadows of the night with the rockin new track from Professor Zonic Zynth and his latest work 'Doomsday MK-1'. The darker path is seldom travelled by the Professor but in this track he allows his synth funk to take on a nocturnal obeisance that is riveting and full of the dangers of the night.




When I go one about the stories and narratives in 80s inspired synth music this is a reflection on how the music evolves, draws you in and then takes you to new places and allows the experience to go beyond the more uniform structures of some electronic music. In RF Extreme's new track, 'Present Daze' we have a textbook example of the use of this kind of structure in an 80s presentation. The opening passages leads to a dramatic middle section before the enlightenment of the final climax. An incredibly beautiful example of quality craftsmanship in the synthient arts. Also be sure to check out a rockin interview RF Extreme has done this past week on Synth Waves here.




Lost Years is back and rockin the italo synth tones on his new gem 'The Kick'. Still in it's early stages of development this is certainly already hitting all the right notes for totally kick arse italo sounds. The pace is kept to a middling canter which allows for the huge percussive flourishes to really resonate for maximum effect.




Dance With The Dead are still yet to settle on the full track line up for their impending album due out this Halloween and with the quality of all the demo's they've been sharing of late it's going to be a hard job to select only one album's worth. Their new track 'Neon' takes on a far less dramatic tone than much of their previous outings, and has a touch of Arcade High about the lead melody that works beautifully well with Dance With The Dead's power house production.




PH Groove is heading for the gym with his new tune 'Legwarmers', and working up a sweat with hooky melodies and energetic arrangements. The PH Groove synth funk sounds are engineered for a more forthright disco flavour this time around and ventures into exciting new territories over it's epic near seven minutes. This track is currently available for FREE download, so make it a part of your work out as soon as you can.




Something a bit of out left field now with the stunning new song from Pistol Shrimp. 'This Moment' features AaronKnute and creates and incredibly beautiful vista of chill/dream wave synthscapes that swells with 80s love. The production is engineered for the perfect presence of each element and the vocal refrain is captured with much poignancy. This reminds me in parts of My Bloody Valentine and the Cocteau Twins, but with a more cinematic flair. It's definitely powered by energies I find much more engaging that a lot of the more sparsely arranged chill/dream wave songs I've heard and it's this huge wall of sound that is so totally enrapturing.




Hot on the heels of her VHS Dreams EP, Palisded has released a killer new synth experience this week called 'Lovestruck'. The bouncing bassline and minimalist melodies are complemented by a marching drum track that ties the experience together. The spatial nature of the synthscape is very engaging and the exploration of the melodies is wonderfully intimated. This track is currently available for FREE download, so get it while you can.




To finish of this week's Weekend Update we have something from the complete opposite end of the synth spectrum with a totally killer new tropical synth piece from James Baker titled 'Un Paradis Tropical'. I just can't get enough of this tune, it's gorgeous 80s naiveté and crisp synthscape is utterly joyous to behold. You can not help yourself but smile all the way through this track and thats one of the truly magical things about 80s inspired synth music. Totally k-rad to the max.



As James Baker's brilliance fades into the sunset it's time to say a bientot on Synthetix.FM for another week of rockin tunes and cosmic jams. I'll be back during the week ahead with more action from finest producers in 80s inspired synth music.

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

Synthetix Weekend Update

Another totally kick arse compilation has been released to celebrate the first anniversary of Telefuture Records. This label has been instrumental in bringing to light many talented producers in the last year including scene favourites like Garth Knight, Makeup & Vanity, Le Cassette, Collins, Arcade High and Rolly Mingwald, amongst others.

One: A Telefuture Compilation presents all new tracks from these artists and many more at a 'name-your-own-price' point on their Bandcamp page here. Make sure you grab a copy and support this fantastic label.

Now, let's rock the latest Synthetix Weekend Update!


First up is a totally killer new track from Final DJ's. 'Flash In The Night' is a return to the classic 80s synth sounds for this duo, flavoured with a modern dancefloor energy. This is one half of their latest EP, with the their piece 'Los Angeles' providing the other side. This FREE EP is available through the link the player, so get it switched on ASAP.




Foreign Blade is building the momentum for his new release Electric Dusk rapidly by sharing two tracks from it this week. 'Night Life' was my favourite of the two, but Crystal City is also very impressive. This smooth twilight synth piece is perfectly executed with an understated ambiance that is tremendously engaging. I'm definitely looking forward to the release of Electric Dusk, which is at this stage still un-dated.




Fantastisizer is back with a moody new morsel of synthtacular sounds with his latest 'The Dark Sun'. Minimalist in presentation but also full of character and personality I love the narrative that builds throughout this piece. It's thought provoking and delightfully introspective from beginning to end.




DigitalNativeDance is spreading his creative wings into some seriously sensual synthscapes with his latest experience 'Ocean Drive-Through'. The languid nature of this track is completely enthralling, time begins to slow and the sights and sounds of the seaside begin to permeate through. Sublimely orchestrated with every element working together in perfect symbiosis. This is currently available for FREE download currently.




Keeping on the same track, but moving into more urban surrounds is 'Take The D-Train' from the always rockin Amazing Police. Melodies are are vibrant and colourful against a buckled down funk bassline. The mid point break down and consequent rebuilding is absolutely k-rad to the max.




Another rocker who's got the funky flow this week is Rutger Megahertz and his teaser for a new track called 'Tension'. The sparse synthscape reverberates with sexual tensions and teasing glimpses. The experience is still to be fully realised, but this two minute teaser is still available for FREE download.




Time for some high energy synth pop and Sady K Diskostar's totally rockin new song 'Ich Bin Nicht Wie Du'. Even being in german language this song is full of nocturnal adventures and sensual promises with a huge percussion track and synths that soar majestically with the vocals. This is the first track from the upcoming album '1981', which I hope is going to be released soon.



The Boy & Sister Alma are back with a superb new rockin track 'Tom's Cruise'. This is one hell of a ride with a totally killer guitar track and, once again, a hugely catchy chorus. The songwriting is beautiful throughout this experience and displays a great knowledge of understanding what makes 80s style pop so wonderful. 'Tom's Cruise' is currently available for FREE download.




It's time to welcome Hemendex into the Synthetix.FM family with their new song 'Faith In War'. This band from Croatia do a radical mix of New Order and earlier UK synth pop styles, and also have an excellent message to their music. There's a lot to love about the Hemendex experience and I'll be sure to  be giving them lots more love on Synthetix.FM in the future. 'Faith In War' is also available for FREE download. Be sure to check out their other rockin tunes on soundcloud too.




Bending the concepts of reality ever so slightly is the new SPF5Ø track 'フェティッシュ' which loosely translates as 'Fetish'. This vampiric cacophony of synth sounds is accented by spoken word samples and I do believe an obscure Billy Idol sample. It's riveting all the way through and it's elements of ChipTune rawness add even more intrigue. Available for FREE download at this time




While we're in the twilight zone of 80s inspired synth it's a good time to take a trip to 'Golden Pond' with Toasters & Dreams. This unsettling piece swirls synths around pointed samples from the movie On Golden Pond, while percussive drama and flourishes from other parts of the cosmos complete the soundscape. It's an uncommon combination that Toasters & Dreams manages to pull off exceptionally well. Available for FREE download, also.




I must say, I do have a penchant for the odd bit of vaporwave. It's not a style I listen to a lot, but I find it provides a delightfully engaging alternate 80s dimension. Sgreyes has taken the vaporwave pill with his new track 'Provincial Fashion' and his hazy dreamlike loops make for an interesting adventure. Sounds obtain much more clarity than the usual vaporwave fare and this adds a much more defined and solid nature to the soundscape.  Stellar work, as always, from Sgreyes.




Taking the on-ramp to excitement is the rockin new track from RF.Extreme 'Speed Daze'. The powerhouse drum track compliments the slow motion rhythm melodies incredibly well, the experience is constructed with the right amount of questions and answers throughout the narrative. It's simplicity belies it's energy and that's what makes it rock so very hard.




We're already up to Version 4 of Lost Years new experience 'The Other Side Of You'. The last couple of revisions really expanded upon the initial ideas and through this current incarnation we're told a much deeper story. The Lost Years soundscape is always so precisely engineered, this piece really makes that pinpoint sharp dynamic of the Lost Years experience a priority.




A rare treat from Professor Zonic Zynth as he has shared his track 'Contact' as also being a FREE download. This producer is near the top of my short list of producers who I really think need to release a full album, which will hopefully occur sooner rather than later. Getting back to 'Contact' we're taken on much more ambient space themed excursion that hypnotises with it's melodic refrains and dazzles with it's otherworldliness.




Our final piece in this week's Weekend Update is a compendium of free tracks previously released by synth romance raconteur Rain Sword. This is a must-have release for all fans of quality 80s inspired synth music and goes a great way to solidify Rain Sword as one of the true artistes in the field. These eleven tracks  encompass many and varied genres of vintage sound and all are filled to overflowing with golden neon 80s magic. Pick this up through the player or click here to go directly to Rain Sword's  Bandcamp page.



That does us for another rockin Weekend Update. I'll be back during the week with more good times and great rock'n'roll but there won't be a Weekend Update next weekend, I'll be having some time away but will be back with more radical action the following week.

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

Synthetix Weekend Update

Welcome to another Weekend Update on Synthetix.FM. You may notice there are two new additions the site's layout as I welcome a permanent link to Project Friday on the right column. Project Friday is a LIVE weekly radio show presented by Steve 'Silent Gloves' Gillson and delivers a totally kick arse show dedicated to 80s inspired synth and also includes other electronic genres as well as original 80s classics. This show is massively professional and encourages live participation through the Project Friday chatroom. Project Friday happens 9pm EST, U.S time every Friday night and I for one make sure I'm there to be part of the rockin radio action.

The other addition to the site is a new email form on the left hand side. As the scene grows and more and more music is released it's getting more and more difficult to keep on top of all the new releases. Through my searches and followings I get to find a lot of new music and the Synthetix.FM Facebook group is a truly marvellous source too but now I've added a way for you to contact me directly if you find or are a producer of 80s inspired synth music. Please feel free to contact me with any leads or your own tunes if you'd like them to be covered on Synthetix.FM.

Speaking of hot rockin tunes, we get to open this week's Weekend Update in a most radical of ways with another Synthetix.FM EXCLUSIVE from Plaisance!


'Kids' is the first track from Plaisance's upcoming full length album 'Children Of The 80s' and it promises to be full of Plaisance synth magic. This producer's authentic 80s production style is perfect for the youthful exuberance of the 80s. I'm really looking forward to this project as Plaisance's work in other thematics, particularly his seaside series, has been able to capture the moods and emotions of the subject eloquently and with great beauty. This track is full of vibrant melodies and has a very energetic and bouncy characteristic to it's story, and will be sure to brighten your weekend.


Cougar Synth has ventured into the realms of sensuality and intimacy with his new track 'Afterglow'. I love how the synthscape is so delightfully radiant and uncomplicated, allowing for each glance and touch to resonate with affection. Stunning work again from Cougar Synth and he's been so kind as to make this a FREE download too.




Garth Knight's also taking a road to romance with his latest 'Regardez Moi'. This has a much more, dare I say, Com Truise like personality to it with waves of synths being manipulated in pulsing nebulas forms that illuminate an aura of atmosphere warping romance. This is a totally rockin experience and gives Garth Knight yet another synth genre to draw from.




It's a return to the classic and wonderful Lost Years sound with his latest teaser 'The Other Side Of You' from this prolific producer. Listed as a 'studio session' this piece is full of Lost Years' marvellous OutRun energy, everything about it screams quality and the arrangements are already thrilling. In it's completed form this promises to be one hell of a ride.




New music next from Android Automatic with 'Neon Waves'. A fast paced melody leads into high level action OutRun with italo tinged melodies. This track leads into a sumptuous midpoint change that really adds a lot of perspective to the experience. The narrative is very impressive and really keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout. Currently available for FREE download.




Like Mowrey is back with an atmospheric new experience going by the name of 'Contact'. Smoothly undulating soundtrack elements are flavoured with a very introspective exploration of the melodies. The end result is hugely powerful, making the most of it's uncomplicated soundscape in a very engaging manner.




Vector Hold cites the classic 80s nuclear-thriller Def Con 4 as the major inspiration for his new track 'The Terminals'. Dark and mechanical in it's presentation the synths whisper foreboding prophecies and have a genuine desolation to them. The solitary aftermath is very prominent throughout and provides a very commanding atmosphere. Currently available for FREE download.




From what I can surmise this latest track from Vestron Vulture is a collaborative work with Cymphium, but I might be misunderstanding this. Most importantly this track 'One Word' is a totally rockin experience in action soundtrack synth with an orchestral layer driving the emotions. The combination works exceedingly well with massive action and thrills around every corner. Currently available for FREE download, also.




Alpha Boy continues his adventures in synth funk sounds with his latest release 'Roller Boogie'. I really enjoy the Alpha Boy style in this format, it seems to allow his melodies to mesh more with the rhythm sections and provide a very cohesive soundscape. Definitely a wonderful new direction for Alpha Boy to expand his repertoire in.



Speaking of journeying into new territories the latest Stellar Dreams composition sets a course for dark synth horror in 'Terror Street'. The synths are full of nightmarish qualities and story is rich with an ambiance of fright. This is a very strong track that builds and delivers a perfectly constructed experience in the dark synth dread.





Lightening the mood but keeping your pulse rate high is a new experience from Bobby Outro titled Giorgio Moroder. This piece takes many cues from Moroder's late 70s disco synth pieces and then adds  some more drama to mix with soundtrack inspired progressions. Many thanks to Aminova for enlightening me into this exciting producer.




Dance With The Dead unleashed a new track of their own horror OutRun persuasion with 'Came The Dawn'. This 'demo version' is absolutely rock hard with it's pounding drums and sublimely wondrous synth melodies. These guys have been hinting at a mid year release of their debut album and as that gets closer and closer my anticipation grow exponentially.




Poko Cox keeps rockin super hard ans his latest song takes his sounds to new levels of excitement. 'Paralyzed' is exemplary 80s inspired song writing with an incredible vocal track and the melodies are catchy as hell. Totally kick arse in all the right ways, Poko Cox always rocks.




Sunglasses Kid ramped up his already extreme work rate this week with no less than five new tracks on his soundcloud. Although these were predominantly new vocal mixes of existing tracks they're no less rockin or valuable as this really displays how much this producer wants to expand his horizons. This new version of 'My Destiny' featuring the always delightful vocal talents of Dana Jean Phoenix makes for a classic 80s synth pop experience par excellence. Be sure to check out the other new tracks on his soundcloud too.




New music new from Last Ride and his demo for the OutRun epic 'Streets of 2012'. Clocking in at more than seven minutes this piece really takes it's time to explore the melodies and soundscapes of it's creation. Even more surprising is that during this experience the music never loses it's direction or disengages the listener. By moving through numerous set pieces it really captures the imagination of the listener exceptionally well. Many thanks to Richard Kelly for enlightening me to this artist. 'Streets of 2012' currently available at a name-your-own-price point on Bandcamp currently too.



Robots With Rayguns brand of 80s drenched, vocal sample driven music is back with his slow and sensual ode to Selena Gomez titled 'Selena'. The music a steamy and licentious exploration of unrequited lust that becomes a dangerous obsession. RWR has been kind enough to allow this intimate experience to be available for FREE download, for our own personal fantasies.




After the masterful 'So Real' (featuring Patrick Baker) Silent Gloves has returned with a new magical synthscapade called 'We Live Forever'. This piece is more musical beauty incarnate as the lingering synth melodies intimate incredibly lustrous permutations, coloured with a vibrancy that glows with memories of the past and promises of the future. Pure majesty.




Chaconne is one of Synthetix.FM's favourite producers, I'm a massive fan of his soundscapes. Every piece of music he creates is so full of emotion and understanding of 80s sounds that each new release is like a religious experience. 'Dreamers' just solidifies this further with his gloriously rich instrumentations and dazzling arrangements. This is also currently a FREE download.



That does us for another big Weekend Update on Synthetix.FM. I hope you've enjoyed these tracks as much as I have. I'll be back next week with more good times and great rock'n'roll so 'til then, stay 80s and keep on rockin.

Synthetix Weekend Update

Before we get to this week's Weekend Update on Synthetix.FM I first wanted to pay special attention to the incredible new compilation from Werkstatt Recordings: Synth City. This THIRTY track compilation is jam packed with 80s synth superstars and all the tracks are EXCLUSIVE to this release!

It's an amazing reflection of the diverse talent in the scene and when brought together in this format makes for an awe inspiring monolith of synth rhapsody. Garth Knight, 80s Stallone, Perturbator, LA Dreams, DJ Ten, Camille R, Vincenzo Salvia, Ace Attack, Protector 101 and Embryonik are just some of the producers included.

Synthetix.FM doesn't review compilations, but I always have a link to the most current and rockin one on the right hand side bar, so make sure you get this incredible, and FREE, compilation presented by the wonderful Werkstatt Recordings as soon as possible.

Now, lets ROCK with the Synthetix Weekend Update!


First up we have sort of reissue from Corvallis. 'Pantera' was originally released on an EP last year but Corvallis has seen fit to rerelease it as a single.  It's dark and dangerous and has an almost impossibly long lead in before it hits, but the anticipation built is absolutely rockin. The highly effect treated vocal adds a huge amount of haunting mysticism to the experience.



Ogre Sound has been on the Synthetix.FM radar for quite a while now, and his album 194 from last year provided some marvellous soundtrack synth flavoured experiences. His next release, 'Calico Brown' has been directly inspired by the ever inspirational TV series Miami Vice and from this sampler he's really rockin all the right ways. Greatly looking forward to the full release on the 20th of May.

SPF5Ø is back with his horror inspired dark synth mayhem once again with a new track delightfully titled 'Bitches Blood'. The soundscape is torn asunder with synth violence that borders on an industrial style, the layering towards the end becomes very intense. Available currently for FREE download.

Starion's brand of catchy disco synth has resurfaced with this marvellous slice of italo love called 'Theme From Ferranti'. It's the perfect blend of spatial atmospherics and catchy melodies and it's pace allows for the perfect ambiance.




Keeping the italo golden is Lost Year's new track 'Tear'. The Lost Years sound is one of my favourites in the scene and this piece really displays the genius of this producer's style. The arrangements are absolutely flawless with just the right emphasis on everything to create the perfect tonal balance. 'Tear' is up to Version 2 already, it's evolution should provide much entertainment.




Laurence McFunk has turned the drama up to dangerous levels with his epic new piece 'Turn In Your Badge'. This feels so authentic as a piece of high tension 80s soundtrack work that if I close my eyes I can visualise the scene instantly. Even as a short piece, this is right on point and also available for FREE download.




Nite Sprite is back with a vengeance with his rockin new track 'Strut'. The energy of this builds with pure magic and drops like a metric tonne of rad. The funky arrangements are contrasted with darker, menacing details but then evolve into a synthscape full of beauty and clarity. This track is available for purchase on iTunes here.




If you don't know who Visage are you need to stop reading this right now and go and educate yourself on their seminal music from dawn of the new romantic age. Their triumphant return is only weeks away and they're teasing the full album release with previews of each song leading up the album launch  on the 20th of May. Their understanding of new and classic sounds has resulted in a wonderfully 80s soundscape laced with just the right amount of modernity. 'Never Enough' is one of the songs I'm most looking forward to, but I'll be sure to give the record the full Synthetix.FM treatment upon it's release.




I'm finding Dr Pecco to be one of the most exciting new talents in the 80s inspired synth scene, he manages to instill a very vital and vibrant energy in his music and with this short teaser for his next EP it's sounding like he's refining his sound even further. Looking forward to this release immensely.




Electric Disection is exciting talent that keeps bringing the radness to the masses and his new piece 'Semblance Of A New World' is a delightfully introspective piece with smooth synth melodies that are uplifting and full of hope. The lead melodies provide and excellent counter argument with their pointed questioning, adding even more interesting layers. This is available for FREE download currently, also.




PH Groove is back and rockin hard with his new opus 'Witness This'. Rhythms as set to maximum excitement and the unrelenting pace builds to an explosion of 80s synth action. PH Groove also shared another excellent track this week in 'She Loves Dancing' and both are currently available as FREE downloads.




To mark his achievement of 6000 followers on soundcloud Mitch Murder has graciously shared a gorgeous new excursion called 'Mirage' as a FREE download. This track continues Mitch Murder's love affair with Pino Palladino styled basslines and winds things back to languid pace allowing for the subtlety of the soundscapes to have their magic and wonder fully appreciated.




A new producer of rockin 80s synth, introduced to me by the totally kick arse duo Stellar Dreams, is Kid Flash. His new track 'Nascar' uses lots of high energy synths and liberal samples from Days of Thunder to create a totally kick arse synth ride that's got equal doses of passion and action. This is another track available currently for FREE download.




After their very disappointing release (from my perspective) 1991, Tesla Boy have returned to form with the much more 80s sounding song 'M.C.H.T.E'. Once again they've shown why they're so good at rockin the 80s sounds and emotions with totally electrifying energy and superb lyrical themes.




Perturbator's rockin some massive sounds with the preview to his next EP 'Sexualizer'. This five track release is sounding very, very impressive from these preview tracks. The opening song featuring Adam 'Le Cassette' McNab on vocals is something I found jaw dropping and the other four experiences all hint at even more excitement courtesy of one of the scenes premier producers.




Sunglasses Kid is fast becoming one of my favourite composers of truly authentic 80s inspired synth music. Each new track he shares presents a boldly crystalline vision of true 80s sounds and emotions. His new track 'Miami Lover' distills this down to an even richer purity, the sax, synth and percussion are as harmonious as they are entrancing. A glorious example of total 80s nostalgia. This is available for purchase from his Bandcamp page here.




Mulperi's new track 'Friends' caught my attention with his somber tones and very intimate melodies. Although not strictly 80s in it's personality there is an 80s soul that colours the emotions and allows for some very beautiful soundscapes to emerge. Another track currently available for FREE download.




Bringing the 80s back in no uncertain terms is the new track from Betamaxx 'Redlining 6th'. This high energy OutRun adventure is going to be the opening intro to his next album release. The synths are on fire throughout this track and the break neck pace is thoroughly invigorating.




Although only forty six seconds in length this new teaser from Grooveworthy was something I just had to share. 'Information Breakdown' has one of the most powerful percussive tracks I'm yet to experience and builds to a point that for now shall remain a mystery. This track is going to be epic.




On the cusp of releasing their next odyssey, 'Bloodsport 2092', Arc Neon have re-released their Wet Dreams EP in a special edition format with seven extra tracks. This EP was already a totally rockin release (reviewed on Synthetix.FM here) and this expanded release is something everyone should support, especially at it's 'Name Your Own Price' price point.




And finally we have a preview for the debut EP from Lazerspek courtesy of Future City Records. This three track affair promises to be very interesting based on this producers previous sounds and his own brand of new and old sounds should make for riveting synthual experience.




That does us for another Weekend Update on Synthetix.FM. Next week will be another action packed one with a hot batch of 80s inspired synth releases to review and share with you so until 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.

Synthetix Weekend Update

As the storm begins to break flashes of lightning and rumbling thunder echo through a sky once day turned night. April showers will be full force cyclone magnitude and it's going to provide an aural smorgasbord of top rockin tunes. To begin storm season lets rock another monster sized Weekend Update on Synthetix.FM.

Coming out strong and punching harder then ever is Perturbator with his own high energy theme. This march into fiery oblivion presents a stunning vista of incandescent brimstone and brutality as melodies haunt and energise in equal doses.




Keeping things marching into dramatic soundscapes with a more ambient style is the new venture from rf.extreme. 'Transient Wave' builds majestically with swirling synths that have a distinct flair for danger. It's thoroughly hypnotic in it's arrangements that layer in very naturally.




Cougar Synth's taken a mind altering substance with his new track Weird Fantasy. The off kilter loops and free form melodies make for an entirely surreal vision. The trademark Cougar Synth percussion is the only thing that keeps the music from drifting into another dimension and in doing so keeps the forms rockin in wonderfully vibrant ways. Be sure to get this FREE download and also make sure you check out the kick arse Betamaxx remix of Weird Fantasy here.




Drifting into another world of delightfully 80s ambiance is the superb new release from Rain Sword. This piece is a little bit less Synth Romance than his usual output, but still full of glorious Rain Sword magic with sensual melodies and vividly bright drums. Drift Away is currently up for FREE download too.




Moods are kept ambient, but also ramping up the sexy in Flash Arnold's latest See You Then. Night moods and crumpled sheets set the scene as the moonlight filters through the blinds casting a blue aura over two lovers who want to make this night last forever. Intimately orchestrated and full of passion, Flash Arnold makes you sweat with the anticipation of forbidden carnal pleasures.




Miles Prower is developing beautifully as a true devotee of quality 80s sounds, his new track This World Won't Let Me Down is full of emotional melodies but the arrangements are kept simple and authentic which really distills and focuses the feelings projected. Marvellously written and arranged to perfection.




Glass Mirrors are backing and rockin to the max with totally rad new song called Fatal Attraction. I love the energy in this, it's thoroughly raucous and exploding in a million different directions. I'd really like to hear this remastered with more of a vocal mix though, as the vocal does get a bit lost. The parts that make up Fatal Attraction are all of a super high calibre however and it definitely has the makings of a synth pop super hit.




A new talent has surfaced going under the moniker of SyntheKyler. His first track is The Last Cruise and it's full of wonderfully authentic sounds and arrangements. The melodies are inspiring in delivery and the soundscape is full of beautifully colourful synths. Many thanks to Starforce for discovering this rockin new talent.




More killer new music from Botnit was released this week with his ambient new piece Corporate Crimewave.  I love the languid pace of the this work, the synths are given ample time to wind their way throughout the structures and the entire track comes across very intimately with each detail feeling close and tactile.



A little bit of remix magic now courtesy of Jordan F's re-envisioning  of Arcade High's On The Edge Of Summer. This manages to stay very true to the source's intentions while adding a glossy layer of Jordan F's scintillating synth work. Be sure to grab a FREE copy of this while you can.




Johnny Boy Digilio is one of those producers that I've been wanting to cover on Synthetix.FM for seemingly years but finally I've got the chance to share some of his amazing music with his latest work Electric Molly. This producer's sounds are always super authentic and with his new track he's really kicked into some high gear 80s inspired soundtrack synth that would be at home in any feature from John Hughes. I look forward to rockin more Digilio action on Synthetix.FM soon.




Maethelvin has returned! In one of the most awesome events of this past week Valerie staple and one of the pioneers of the new school of 80s inspired synth has once again released some beautiful new music that shows the magic is still strong. As We Were is engineered with sublime synth work that is thoroughly enriching. This is hopefully the first of many new Maethelvin experiences.




A new track from Alexaandre really stuck with me this week. Throwbacks is an emotionally intimate composition of 80s sounds arranged with just enough modernity to complement them. The melodies are stunningly played and the layers and nuances are seemingly infinite. This is just totally rockin and the fact it's currently available for FREE download currently just sweetens the deal even more.




Jaypeau and ToeKnee keep on truckin with a new track full of 80s energy and high action. Only A Dream is rife with drama that builds like a tidal wave, complete with totally rad laser sounds and guitars that demand the listener's attention. I hope an album release of these tracks is going to happen soon as there is a great deal of music these guys have produced that need to be experienced beyond soundcloud.




Beatbox Machinery's own brand of dark electro synth pop has reached a new stage of evolution that I found very engaging. His latest track is dark and full of menace that is continued through the vocal track that makes it's intentions very clear from the outset. The darker synth arts are used very impressively to make sure no one is going to get away until Beatbox Machinery is ready to let them go.



Smoothing things out with a stunning new track is the 2013 synth sensation Amazing Police with his latest work Fixing My Sunrise. This bass driven synthscapade is absolutely incredible to experience. Bringing in jazzy/library style elements that are employed perfectly and arranged to total perfection.
This producer is blowing my mind with each successive release.




Finally, there isn't too much longer to wait until the release of So Real by Silent Gloves and Patrick Baker and in anticipation of this a promo teaser has surfaced. I'm not even close to exaggerating when I say that So Real is one of the most incredible songs I've yet to experience from the 80s inspired synth scene. The original mix is beyond perfect, and the EP is also going to include a batch of remixes from some of the hottest producers in the scene.

This WILL be one the anthems of 2013.




To finish of this week's blockbuster Weekend Update I've got a totally rockin new video from synth auteur genius Neros77. This video for Lost Years' Red Horizon  is another stellar visual feast full of explosive Lundgren action and has an ending truly befitting of the source material.




That does us for another massive Weekend Update on Synthetix.FM I'll be back next week with more
rockin sounds from the 80s inspired synth scene. As always 'til then stay 80s and keep on rockin.

Synthetix Weekend Update

Yet another week full of lovingly grown music has resulted in bumper crop in the 80s inspired synth scene. Hot new releases from regular mainstays, new talent and even some old favourites returning to the fray. Press play on tape, turn the volume up to maximum rockin and lets get radical with the weekend on Synthetix.FM!

An inspiring new Australian face in the 80s inspired synth scene going by the name of Electric Dissection has arrived. The main inspiration for this producer's work is Tangerine Dream and his track Endless Summer really recreate the classic soundtrack synth vibe. Excellent instrumentation and stunning arrangements make this one hell of a ride.




Keeping to the soundtrack theme Protector 101 has shared a new track that was destined to go on his new EP, but has decided to make it a stand-alone piece. 'Back Alleys' resonates with beautifully flowing synths that take on frightening personalities. The midpoint change leads to an explosion of energy and terror constructed with that Protector 101 magic we always love to be scared by. Get this FREE download before it gets YOU!



Silenx is back and rocking a delightfully somber aesthetic on his track Connections. Melodies are deeply emotive and tenderly arranged by threads of gossamer. "Connections" feels like a love letter to someone no longer in our lives, casting a line of hope into the seas of regret, hoping and yearning for that tug at our heartstrings to be from the one we need the most.
 



Time to break in the electro funk brilliance of Amazing Police's new masterpiece Moroder-Einstein Theorem. The energy of this track is stunning to behold with a soundscape that crosses line after line in a genre defying manner that keeps the listener riveted to the spot. This track evolves at a startling rate and feels like about four songs in one. Totally rockin to the max.




Alpha Boy is back with a new experience with his OutRun themed Downtown Chase. I really like where Alpha Boy is going with his music. Since his work with J-F Conrad his music is pushing more boundaries and achieving a level of refinement  in his sounds and concepts. 'Downtown Chase' is still classic Alpha Boy, loaded with his sonic hallmarks but also has some new, fresh elements that work into the soundscape very well indeed.



The always rockin Action Jackson has shared his classic track Come In Action and new experience Vice to celebrate the opening of his soundcloud page. Come In Action was on the original release of Testarossa, but not on the current one on Bandcamp. I'm not sure what the story is there, but the main thing is you get experience now as Come In Action is one of Action Jacksons finest jams. The lead melody is this track is so strong it almost knocks you down with it's power. Arranged in in such a manner to accentuate the majesty of the lead melody even further this creates a spectacular synthual experience. This track is currently FREE so get it and rock it ASAP. The bouncy and vibrant Vice track is also available for FREE download on his soundcloud so make sure you grab these two killers and follow him on soundcloud here for more Action Jackson action.




Two killer new demos from Lost Years began their musical evolution this week. Amplifier and Park Avenue 1989 are both very promising at this early stage. Park Avenue 1989 is tinged with a moroseness that is highlighted by bright delicate synths. Very emotive in it's construction but full of wonder and exploration. Check out Lost Years soundcloud for the first totally rockin demo cut of his track Amplifier here. 



Starion is back with his cosmic synthscapes and deepspace disco with a track called Moonbase Alpha. Once again we're taken into the electric cosmos on an adventure full of intrigue. Melodies are pure italo gold and the basslines are totally rockin the solar system the whole way through. Definitely one of Starion's greatest and most complete tracks thus far.




Launching into the darker regions of space is Like Mowrey's new cosmic dirge Heliopolis. The music is solemnly executed with an hypnotic pace that introduces soaring synths and brightening stars before becoming a looming nebula of celestial energies. The layering is marvellous to behold throughout the final part of the journey, resulting in a very memorable journey through Heliopolis.





80s inspired synth scene pioneer Sferro has finally returned to what he does best with a teaser from his new release High Tech Low Life. Sferro still retains the wonderful magic present in his early work with fathomless emotion powering the melodies and instrumentation that fills the senses. To say I'm really looking forward to his Wetware Computer EP release is hugley vast understatement.




Glass Mirrors is really upping the ante with each new track and his latest work 8-Bit Girl is some absolutely stunning synth pop with lots of quality 80s sounds and moods. I love the vocal track to this, it's thoroughly authentic and the lyrics are totally rockin. Not your traditional modern synth pop melodies in this piece, but Glass Mirrors makes the experience, samples and all, work magnificently.




There are a few artists around who really define some of the 80s inpired synth genres and with his new release (of an old track, mind) I now dub Rain Sword to be THE defining artist for the synth romance genre. 'Dreamer' contains so much emotional brightness and pure saturation of colours that it's impossible not to be dazzled by its presence. I believe the sounds he uses in this genre are peerless and really capture the experiences and emotions of teen love in the 80s. Currently available for FREE download too!




Let's finish up this weekend's Weekend Update with another return from an old favourite. Chmmr is one of the few artists in the scene that can capture the 80s synth naivete with complete sincerity and authenticity. His new track Talking English is a superb exponent of this with a beautiful free form arrangement and melodies that are taken directly from the early to mid 80s. Absolutely k-rad to the max.




That does it for another kick arse week on Synthetix.FM. I hope to see you soon for more good times and great rock'n'roll. Till then, as always, remember to stay 80s and keep on rockin.