AIRBORNE

Mathusalem - Profondo Rosso

By Jazzi Marzcat

The moon is full, casting shadows everywhere. Something is lurking in the dark, and in the next moment, deep red blood flows out to the ground. Music that can create such vivid images like that, can all be found on the 3rd, and latest release by Mathusalem, his EP Profondo Rosso. Mathieu "Mathusalem" Thomas, a synthwave producer from Paris, France who has been on the scene for quite some time now, has stated about his music that, "I love to change the world and atmosphere in it, (and) to produce many different styles." Mathusalem succeeds with this EP in doing exaclty that. Inspired by horror, and film soundtracks of the Italian Giallo age, this EP takes a detour from his previous work that is more upbeat in style, and instead takes a listener on a darker journey, with killer dance beats, and gorgeously layered synth melodies. Each track tells it's own story, and with Mathusalem's genius production, vividly so!

Starting with the first track, you should get your silver bullets ready, because 'Wolf' is going to smack you right in the face on play's first impact with the sounds of wolves howling. Just before you can take cover, BOOM! The synths kick in, and with an infectous bass line, and a groovy beat, these wolves are going to go all "Were" on you in the most funkiest of ways!! This song seriously does for werewolves, what Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' did for zombies. From beginning to end, there are so many delicious twists and turns in this song, it will get you begging for more! I guarantee, this is going to be a favorite to be played at Halloween parties!

If 'Wolf' was too seductive to pull away from the allure of animal yearnings, 'The Slayer' is going to whip you in to shape! This track is very unique, as it mixes a heavy rock'n'roll edge with sexy disco beats. It starts off with harsh synth chords, followed by a heavy lead guitar, but then brings in a heart pounding cool beat that will keep you on your slayer toes. I literally could not sit still listening to this song!! It will get you to not only bang your head, but boogie down as well. Just a really awesome track that satisfies all needs!

However if you're not careful with your dance moves, red blood will begin to flow in the next track, a cover of 'Profondo Rosso'. This is well known by horror fans as one of the most delectable tracks created by the legendary progressive band Goblin, for the film of the same name directed by the master of horror himself Dario Argento, in the mid 1970s. Mathusalem takes on the title track of the Argento's film Profondo Rosso with integrity and grooviness! Right from the start is the familiar melody of 'Profondo Rosso', and I'm in love!  I can't get enough of this mix of innocence and creepiness to a melody. It is slightly slowed down from the original, but it helps to savor each note. A little disappointment is the toning down of the bass line from the original track, but the the mix of synth effects and the cool dance beat make up for this. With the melody carefully preserved, it's an excellent way to bring more horror and screams to the dance floor!  (Just make sure to clean up all the blood afterwards).

Rounding out this really awesome EP is the remix to Justice's song 'Phantom Part 1.5'. Originally more of a EDM track, with a sample of Vangelis' 'Aquatic Dance', Mathusalem brings an Italian Giallo vibe to it, making it fit perfectly with the other songs.  Although the beat is a little slower than a dance beat, and more methodical, the harsh synth chords that create a lot of tension, and the delicate, yet chilling melody, are fast enough to land this track into outrun territory. A really rocking track!!

This EP is so excellent, you may be able to outrun the werewolves, the slayer, and the thirst for blood, but will you will not be able to outrun the addiction of listening to this EP on repeat!! I know I haven't!! Plus with the Halloween season approaching,  and for any, and all fans of horror, this EP is just too good to pass up!!! Check it out now from 30th Floor Records, available for download at "Name your own price" for a limited time here.  

Mulperi - Unicorn Express

By Jerry Herrera





Mulperi’s Unicorn Express EP is an impressive collection of synthwave bliss.  While there may not be anything particularly game changing, it’s clear that Mulperi is a talented artist that is worth keeping an eye on.  There are some really gorgeous melodies and progressions working in every track and some thoughtful instrumentation that effectively create visions of far off landscapes and undiscovered worlds in the mind’s eye.

Pay particular attention to the title track.  It’s a slow paced journey through the clouds of an alien world, both comforting and simultaneously creating a sense of wonder.  Following that is Fading Memories which is a beautiful musical meditation that is reminiscent of Vangelis’ film compositions.  My favorite track would have to be The Power of One for its outrun flavors and haunting vocoded snippets.  I think Mulperi is on track to be a solid and consistent producer who has a good instinct for spaced out sci fi outrun.

Mulperi's Unicorn Express EP is available here for FREE download on soundcloud and it is highly recommended listening.

Digital Native Dance - Los Canarreos

By Rick Shithouse

Digital Native Dance is back with a brand new tropically themed EP which is channelling new strata of the 80s for this well loved artist. In Los Canarreos DND sets moods to chill and the temperature to sweltering with four tracks of pineapple dappled, sunset fresh synth magic.

An entirely new soundscape greets the listener at 'Sunrise' with a live spatial atmosphere full of analogue sounds. Bass and guitars move glacially in and out of focus through the heat haze, setting a launching pad for the opening title track. In what came as quite a shock DND brings to life some amazingly authentic Duran Duran sounding ensembles; complete with John Taylor styled rocktastic basslines and the synths and guitars working magic amid the tropical percussion. This track could easily be an extra instrumental piece off Rio, a greater compliment I can't give.

Opting for even sultrier, laid back qualities DND gets some more guitar driven moods sweating and gyrating in 'Ocean Drive Through'. If the vibe were any chiller you'd need a jacket, scarf and mittens. Party time kicks in with the funky brass and groovy rhythms of 'After Dark' as DND finds love amongst the flickering torches at the beachside soiree. Superbly written and full of instrumental nuance this track is rife with DND's alluring songwriting hallmarks that make the moon sparkle off the ocean in a completely entrancing manner.

DND's Los Canarreos EP is available on iTunes here and is the perfect companion piece to those warm summer days and nights, and if the weather isn't as fair as you'd like; Digital Native Dance is sure to raise the temperatures with these four sizzling tracks.

Synthetix Weekend Update

The storm of releases keeps building on the horizon as we get closer to the end of March, and already we're feeling the first splashes of rain on our skin before the torrential downpour of music engulfs all in it's path. Let us enjoy this week's Weekend Update with the gentle breeze and mild precipitation before the storm of rockin new releases hits.


Vector Hold keeps on rockin hard and his new track Deep Undercover 1985 is a totally rad Faltermeyer-esque piece of stealthy nocturnal work that is full of danger around every shadowed corner. Be sure to grab a copy of this as it's currently available for FREE download.




Neon Workout is kicking mucho derriere with a new jam called Don't Cry Tonight. This producer varies his styles for nearly each new track but there is always the 80s love hiding beneath the modern veneer. This new track is a superb piece of crossover with a modern arrangement combined with a great deal of 80s love in the melodies. Also available right now for FREE download!




Amazing Police is fast becoming a genuine force to be reckoned with in the 80s inspired synth scene. After the stunning White Tape and Moroder-Einstein Theorem tracks he's now released the jaw-droppingly epic Circa 1984. Beautifully arranged elements and sounds combine in a vista of totally entrancing synth work. Shades of StarDonE are present in the experience too, which only adds to the wonder.




Another producer who's craft is being honed very nicely is Vestron Vulture. His new track, Beach Babes From Beyond, is totally rockin mix of italo and videogame sounds that are full of energy and authentic melodies. Vestron Vulture's sounds are distilling into an individualised mixture of influences
that are really demanding one's attention. Be sure to download it while it's still FREE.




The totally rock hard Betamaxx is releasing a steady stream of radical 80s sounds through 2013 and his new adventure, Maxximum is yet another killer track. I love the energy of this, the synth leads are dazzling in delivery and the percussion is a cacophony of stunning 80s love.




Electric Disection's brand of soundtrack styled synth work is expanding into new colours and shapes with his latest work, the aptly titled, Metamorphosis. The melodies are still of a deliberately paced soundtrack nature but the style has been engineered with a more energetic percussive track. I adore how this piece evolves and forms it's own destiny. Beautiful music, that is currently available for FREE download as well.




Flash Arnold's totally killing it with his marvellously inspired track Dorsia. American Psycho is one of my favourite comedies of all time and whenever samples are used from it I can't help but fall in love with the music as well. Flash Arnold once again proves he's one of the true 'leaders of the new school' with a catchy and perfectly arranged experience in quality 80s sounds.




A short little gem from Mulperi caught my attention this week. Entitled Time, and only shared in a short preview format this track is just stunning in it's staccato timing and synth brilliance. The tones and textures of this track are absolutely rockin to the max, I can't wait for the full version, that's for sure.




Synth terror merchant, Gost, unleashed an amazing new work in the field of dark synth brutality with the enigmatically titled piece 4th. The music is the essence of darkness with a churning bassline and violent orchestral stabs that go straight for the vital organs. Frightening beyond your worst nightmares and terrifying beyond the harshest realities!




Moving into brighter atmospheres is marvellous new track from Droid Bishop titled Galaxy:Unknown.
This composition is full of light and emotion and introspective melodies that ethereally manifest before the listener. Incredibly beautiful in arrangement and execution. Many thanks to Tommy for discovering and sharing this exciting new producer and be sure to grab your own copy of this grandiose work while it's up on soundcloud for FREE download.


     

Another FREE track to make sure you add to your collection is the new single from Let Em Riot: I Know. Let Em Riot's sounds lean more towards modern arrangements and sounds but a soul of the 80s beats beneath the current trappings. This piece of glossy synth pop is definitely anchored in the 80s and synths work throughout the song majestically.




Alpha Boy has taken off to the stars with his new track Sound Trek. This sci fi flavoured journey adds are wonderful new lustre to the Alpha Boy sound with an undeniable space-disco thematic that is very engaging. I love the aesthetic of this piece and I hope the stars prove to be a  destination in the future for Alpha Boy.



Jaypeau and Toeknee are fast becoming another force to be reckoned with the 80s inspired synth scene. Their amazing track Thrasher has a new companion with Blood Drops. There's a great deal going on with this track that comes out over multiple listens. The arrangements are packed with details and nuances that create a crescendo of uplifting magic. I predict that 2013 is going to be a monster year for these guys.




On the cusp of releasing his massively promising new High Fidelity EP in April, Tommy has shared a stand alone track in preparation. Odyssée is a smoothly entrancing ambient work that bends and morphs with a light and colour all it's own. Beautiful in melody and languid in pace the music's skewed pitch is as inquisitive as it is engaging. Also currently available for FREE download, so grab it while you can.




That wraps it up for another rockin Weekend Update on Synthetix.FM. I look forward to spending more quality time with you next week as we explore more of the wonderful music in the 80s inspired synth scene. 'Til then, stay 80s and keep on rockin.

Weekend Update Blockbuster Part 1

As there's been so much beautiful music released in my absence I'm doing a two part Weekend Update to get things to where they should be. Coming up next week is a bunch of great new sounds too and coming up to the beginning of February there'll be even more surprises on Synthetix.

Let's hit the turbos and go straight into high gear with part 1 of the blockbuster Weekend Update on Synthetix!

Saint Remy's new song Opportunity Makes Ur Future has a production unlike almost anything else, the spatial nature of the sounds is contrasted by chemically sharpened knife edge vocals and crisply bright percussion is very engaging. The chaotic nature of this experience and it's underlying messages make this a total powerhouse of sound.




Eschewing the agressiveness of Saint Remy we have a beautifully sedate new experience in soundtrack synth from Mulperi. His Hero (Instrumental) is a languidly relaxing piece of green and blue coloured atmosphere. Pan flutes bring in even more of a calming enviorn while the delicate synth leads are balanced delightfully with the emotive saxophone. Majestically arranged music that definitely works perfectly as an instrumental.




Arc Neon's new concept EP has been taking form with a couple of new pieces from the experience shared recentyl. The Le Porte Dell'Inferno EP is taking shape as a dark soundtrack synth excursion, there's a definite air of dread in both tracks currently available, but the final form of this nightmare is currently devoid of a release date. Let's hope the demons don't take Arc Neon before the work is completed!




A new track from Miles Prower really caught my attention recently. Although specified as Eletro House, and the first part of the experience is most certainly coloured with much modernity, there's a dominant 80s spirit the soars through the soundscape and takes on a truly retro vibe. It ends up being a very clean mix of old and new that is beautiful in execution and arrangement. I'm looking forward to hearing more from this twin-tailed devotee of quality synth sounds.



Another recent discovery is PowercuT. This rocker is creating some massively kick arse sounds on his soundcloud, I'm not sure sure how much is original work and how much is sample loops but to be honest I don't think it matters when the tunes are so rock hard. I'm reminded a little of Vektroid and Laserdisc Visions, with a bit of Camille R throughout his music, which is most definitely a good thing. Give PowercuT's other tracks a listen and feel the love.




Jowie Schulner's certainly going back to his love of 80s synth in his recent track, which will always bring rapturous applause from yours truly. His latest labour of love, Road To Happiness, is another magically woven structure of soaring synths and emotional melodies. This producer is building up a substantial amount of similarly themed tunes, so let hope a release is impending.




Although not set to be released any time soon, I really wanted to give some love to Kenj Run's latest track Midnight Kiss. I've loved the evolution of Kenji Run's sound over 2012 and this track is yet another step in the Kenji Run journey. A more modern arrangement belies beautfiully executed 80s synth sounds the feel like they're eminating from the heavens themselves. Even in this demo form it's well worth downloading, just in case we don't get another chance to visit Midnight Kiss in the future.




Denovomutans has unleashed some of the blackest dark synth I've had the terror of experiencing with his amazing new track Wasteland. Every sound feels like it's either on fire, or is a charred remnant recently extinguished but still able to burn with much ferocity. The Wasteland becomes almost industrialized as it takes on new forms, but beneath it's pounding black heart the soul of classic 80s synth terror remains it's driving force. Download it if you DARE!




Our final piece of part one of this Blockbuster Weekend Update is a teaser video for the new release from Collins. Due out on Telefuture Records in the coming weeks, Animal Magnetism promises to be another kick arse release from this dark electro synth pop producer. Synthetix is champing at the bit to explore the dark but sweetly perfumed back alley ways of Collins' musical world.



Collins "Animal Magnetism" Teaser from Telefuture on Vimeo.




I'll be back tomorrow with the second part of the Blockbuster Weekend Update, so keep on rockin and keep the 80s dream alive!