Synthetix Weekend Update

Whenever anyone has asked me over the years where I think 80s inspired synth music is 'going' I've always been of the mind the mainstream electronic music markets aren't the place that the music we love will find a new and wider appreciative audience. The market where it's becoming more and more obvious that this music belongs and gains true purpose is in movie, TV and video game soundtracks. I've been hoping that this would become more common place and slowly but surely producers are securing roles in these medium; and I really hope this is long term outlet for the music to be optimally used.

I'd like to take this space to personally congratulate the most recent rockers to get their tunes used in soundtrack work. Congratulations Gost and Lazerhawk for their music that is in the latest Ubisoft blockbuster game Watch Dogs and congratulations to Dynatron for his track that is in the upcoming movie Cold In July. Here's to a lot more of this kind of thing happening in the future!

Put your seats into the take off position as we pull the throttle back to full power for this week's featured AIRBORNE releases!

 Glass Apple Bonzai - Glass Apple Bonzai  We've been a fan of of Glass Apple Bonzai's brand of 80s driven synth pop on Synthetix.FM thoughout 2014 and this past week has witnessed the release of the first Glass Apple Bonzai album. Containing nine  rockin tracks the songs are very thoughtfully presented, leaning towards a morose, early 80s european flavour of synth pop with sparse synthscapes and vocals that brood along nicely indeed. Stand out tracks like  'The Freeze', 'The Fist' and the Numan-esque 'The Girl With The Telephoto Eye' really rock hard and I'm sure you'll find much to enjoy within.

Atrey - Supernova Atrey has been on the Synthetix.FM radar since he blew me away with his Guilty Pleasure track earlier this year. His mix of modern techniques and 80s melodies is sure to excite many fans of the likes of Robots With Rayguns and Starcadian. His new four track EP defies the past, future and present with invigorating mixtures of emotive melodies and crushing arrangements. Atrey explores more ambient pastures too, creating some marvellously constructed atmospheres in 'So Far Away' and 'Naomi'. A great EP that is sure to rock you hard.


Room 8 - Visions Of You After waiting for seemingly aeons the first EP from Room 8 has landed! The announcement of Room 8 in 2012 has finally beared fruit and what delicious tasting morsels they are. I won't go into the history or Room 8 here, but be sure to read their blurb on soundcloud to get up to speed. Containing the title track (plus two remixes) and a second original piece there is a lot of to love about Visions Of You. The title track features 80s synth scene mainstays Electric Youth and is a powerfully delivered gem of 80s synth goodness with poppy hooks and crystalline production. The two remixes provided by none other than Miami Nights 1984 and Plastic Plates provide new avenues for the experience, with the MN1984 version being my pick of the two. 'Geo' is the other original track on this release and it is another beautifully composed and performed slice of sweet 80s synth magic. Here's hoping we get some more Room 8 music soon and that their Transduction album is nearing completion.

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What better way to open up the Weekend Update than with a hot new track from Foreign Blade. This producer's latest piece is full of action and rocks a triumphant atmosphere full of synths, guitars and marching percussions. 'From Duke To Messiah' rocks hard and is currently available for FREE download.

Hello Meteor continues to impress with each new track and 'I'll Come Back For You' is one of his strongest piece yet. The sublimely atmospheric synthscape is accented with crisp elements and then swells into an incredibly rich melodic final act. Although short in length, this is massive in scope.




Delivering a different kind of intensity is the new track from Pyramid Aeon. The energy in this track is undeniable as it's modern synth sounds blend with 80s emotions and climb ever star-ward and the narrative is rich and rewarding from beginning to the exciting conclusion. You can pick up a copy of this track at a name-your-own price point on Bandcamp here.




The Dust Collective were introduced to me by Denovomutans recently, whom I'd like to thank for doing so. 'Ripper' by The Dust Collective is another killer track being used on The Outrunners webcomic and is ride down dangerous streets into a world of violence and disorder. The piece is put together to maximise the tension and intrigue and does so very well. Currently available for FREE download too.




Hot new music from RF Extreme next with his new synthual experience 'Digital Directional'. This track is a magnificent blend of his OutRun and Synth Romance sounds which combine into an amazing new experience. The scope is huge and the story deep and involving as each chapter progresses.




Although it is policy on Synthetix.FM to no cover unfinished demo/WIP/previews etc, I decided to break this rule with the rockin new Ward-IZ track 'Night Mission' as even though it's listed as being a preview it is available for download in this form. And this form it totally rockin to the max! The high energy is kept high and the melodies soar with beautiful 80s nuance. Get on it while you can!




A new rocker for Synthetix.FM is Varier and his kick arse new tune 'Dynamic Processing'. The mix of modern and slightly ChipTune influenced sounds complement a delightfully emotive 80s progressions and lead into some very interesting passages. Varier is just beginning his 80s synth journey and I look forward to experiencing more of it in the future.




The Neon Vandal is smashing up all kinds of action in his great new track 'New Wave Funk'. Channelling just enough Paul Hardcastle the synths rock with a salacious groove that is undeniably infectious. I really love the use of vocals and samples in this piece, totally rockin.




One of Silent Gloves and myself's closest bonds is our deep love for Michael Cassette's Temporarity album from 2010, which is still one of the greatest albums released thus far the bridges vintage and modern sounds in a very individualised way. Silent Gloves taken his homage one step further and released a new two track EP that is directly inspired by this record and given the at Silent Gloves magic touch that we so dearly love. Both tracks are totally kick arse and available to purchase via Bandcamp here.




Alter Sun continues to impress with his atmospheric and emotional synth compositions. 'When The Sun Goes Down' is his latest track and the journey is epic and full of 80s wonder. The progression of the story is executed with much dexterity and the three chapters are beautifully realised.




The talent of Sebastian Gampl continues to impress this week with no less than two incredibly beautiful pieces of classically styled 80s synth work being shared by this exciting producer. 'As Time Goes By' manages to be full of sentiment and emotional investment without becoming strictly synth romance while 'Clara' goes head over heels in love with an intimate aural love letter. You can pick up a copy of 'As Time Goes By' via Bandcamp here.




Unleashing all manner of electrifying synth magic is Pulse 80 with his killer new tune shared this week entitled 'Staunton'. The in-your-face production is just totally rockin and the melodies resonate deeply within the synthscape. A massive track that is also currently available for FREE download.




Riddlis has come up with something rather special in his new piece titled 'Alaska'. Taking a break from the usual synth surrounds of neon lit city streets we take an invigorating journey into the heart of the wilds of Alaska. The synthscape sparkles with natural beauty and conveys a vast open landscape of limitless possibilities. Structures ebb and flow with natural grace and are all encompassing in their brilliance. Top work, Riddlis!




Our final track this week is actually form 1991 but has only just been released. Krzysztof Duda is a Polish artist who has been making synth music since the 80s and continues to produce as well as share his older work that has often times, such as this, remained unreleased. '4 Miles 2 Davis' was written in memoriam of Miles Davis by Duda just before his funeral. The tones and progressions of this piece and stunning to behold, and the mastery of Krzysztof Duda is evident throughout. Twenty three years on, it's still rockin to the max.





Our video feature this week is the official video for Room 8's 'Visions Of You', which takes future romance to all new levels of technological endeavours amid a pastiche of neon colours.



That does it for another Weekend Update on Synthetix.FM. I'll be back during the week with Kasia for more rockin tunes from the 80s inspired synth scene, but there won't be a Weekend Update next weekend as I'll be taking a break over the long weekend here in Australia.

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

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

It's the first Weekend Update for March on Synthetix.FM! Two months of the year are already gone and we've already seen a huge amount of quality music come out from the 80s inspired synth scene. This week we've got hot rockin tracks from both new and established producers so strap yourself in and get ready for take off! Time to get airborne!

AIRBORNE This Week

Apollo Zapp - Laser Tits - Apollo Zapp's new EP is rockin up some sexxxy Italo vibes courtesy of Future City Records. Great vibes on this EP as the hooks come as fast and powerful as the suavely performed vocals. Five kick arse original tracks and three remixes of the title track by Shio-Z, Botnit and Vincenzo Salvia make this a must-have release.

Alpha Boy - Robert Abel - Alpha Boy's back with a very impressive new release inspired by work of creative visionary Robert Abel. The sounds are some of Alpha Boys most experimental yet and the atmospheric and ambiant pieces are magically engrossing, especially 'Quasar',  'Black Hole' and the Kubrick-esque 'Can You Hear That'.


Ian Deaton - Atlanta Crime Wave - In this album Ian Deaton has crafted an incredibly deep and rewarding listening experience in quality Soundtrack Synth music. The compositions make up detailed set pieces and are all tied together by the overriding concept of his own vision of the classic 80s cop action movie. Some really incredible pieces on here, with '90 Down Moreland' and 'Buford Hwy 2am' being my favourites.


LA Dreams - Mirrors - The modern day master of emotionally driven 80s synth sounds is back with another album packed with gorgeous melodies and synthillating soundscapes. The LA Dreams sound expands into even more ideas on this record and tracks like 'Ready To Rumble', 'Silk Stalking' and 'Let's Party' really convey that beautifully vibrant LA Dreams Magic oh so delightfully well.

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Lets open up the Weekend Update with some some smooth space synth from FLIGHTWAVE and his cosmic new piece 'Jade Rabbit 86'. This homage to the beleaguered moon explorer is the perfect blend of asian mysticisms in the melodies and expansive lunar synthscapes. Currently available for FREE download.

MegaDrive keeps the Eastern thematic rockin with his new track 'The Street Fighter'. The music pounds with intensity as samples from the martial arts classic The Street Fighter punctuate each chapter of synth violence. A wonderful homage indeed and currently available for FREE download.




Zonic Zynth is experimenting with all kinds of killer sounds in his new piece 'Dreamarized', 90s elements work through the percussion but the Zonic funk synth keeps the 80s feelings rockin. The overall atmosphere is hazy and full of echoing reverberations and entrancing as it bounces along. Make sure you check out Zonic's kick arse Hollywood Synthphonies album from last year too as it certainly slipped under my radar, it's full of rockin Zonic Zynth action that is sure to get your pulse racing.




Back this week with another killer tune is Kruiser and his high energy thrill ride 'Anger'. The structure of this piece is amazingly well crafted as each suite alludes to different emotional spaces. I simply adore the back end to this track which has a powerful afterglow that contrasts the early intensified chapters beautifully. This track is currently available for FREE download currently too.




Although not strictly 80s in the most pure of senses, the new Robots With Rayguns track is positively bursting with quality 80s elements and repackaged into a modern explosion of energetic action. 'Rhythm Test' is a great mix of the old, the new and the timelessly rockin. This track is available for purchase on RWR's Bandcamp page here.




Moving at high speed into the dark horizon we find Danger Mode kicking up dust and leaving a wake of death in his path with his new piece 'Killers'. This slow-motion OutRun adventure is fraught with menace and suspense and thoroughly enthralling from beginning to end.




Taking away the panic and allowing for some smooth synthual caresses is the superb new jam from Babylon 86 titled 'Sunset'. Slowly building to an energetic, funky atmosphere the music is a magical blend of both subtle and more forthright instrumentations. Emotionally uplifting in every way.




Another great track from She Said (Judge Dredd) cropped up this week in 'Sex And Data'. Strong melodies escalate the mood into sensual realms full of lusting technologies and futuristic delights. The layers of instruments rise and fall in time with heaving bodies doused in electrified ecstasy.




A new producer to Synthetix.FM is Apex 86 and I've instantly become a devotee of his kick arse sounds. In 'Climax' we're taken into salacious midnight rendezvous with pumping basslines allowing the provocative synth melodies to take flight. Apex 86 also shared another great track in 'Hot Nights', both tracks you can pick up on his Bandcamp page here. Many thanks to scene legend Jarred Hageman for enlightening me to Apex 86.




I recently decided that Manolis is the most underrated and under appreciated artist in the 80s inspired synth scene. His sounds are incredibly well written and each track contains such beautifully individual nuances. It baffles me entirely that he hasn't been picked up by a label yet as Manolis promises to be one of the future leaders of the 80s inspired synth scene. You only need to experience his latest tack 'Datacorder' to feel the Manolis Magic, and it's also currently available for FREE download.




Future Holotape are back with a killer new synth pop tune titled 'Replicant'. This duo are really perfecting their craft in each new track and the songwriting and 80s influences are stepped up even further in this new song. There's a lot to love, from the impassioned vocals to the lead synth melodies, the rockin just doesn't stop.




Resting on their laurels is apparently not a part of the Compilerbau work ethic as after just releasing the spectacular Tachyon album Rudolf has now gone out and invented a phenomenal new genre that I hope develops further. This new take on classical music done with 80s sounds and styles is absolutely rockin to the max and I'm sure will spark new inspirations and synthscapes in the future. This homage is the perfect evolution of similar 70s and early 80s revisions of classical sounds and 'Fragments Of Back 1' proves there is still much fertile ground to grow new and imaginative sounds from.




This week's Electro Breakin anthem is brought to you by Neon Vandal with his body poppin sex anthem 'L.A Nights'. Channelling all the right influences from Afrika Bambataa to Paul Hardcastle this track is just pure electric energy served with a side of sensuality.




It brings me immense pleasure to bring Myrone into the Synthetix.FM universe. Very, very few producers in the scene have fully utilised 80s guitars in the sounds to their fullest potential but in 'Victory Theme (They Said Our Love Couldn't Be Done)' Myrone does this with aplomb and attitude. The rockin is taken to astronomically awesome levels as each riff and solo pulses with 80s inspiration and emotional power. Easily one of my favourite tracks of the year thus far and I can't wait for Myrone to rock my world again. This work of absolute magic is available for FREE download currently and make sure you check out the kick arse video for this track here too.




Chrome Brulee set off all kinds of buzz last year when they came out of nowhere with one of the best promo videos ever that set the 80s inspired synth scene on fire. Their limited release of Kiss The Hiss Volume 1 with only small numbers of cassettes available for purchase and no digital download meant that a lot of people missed out on their rockin tunes though. With Kiss The Hiss Volume 2 coming out at some stage this year they've released a short little teaser alluding to some radical Italo Synth vibes. Synthetix.FM will be following the next phase of the Chrome Brulee experience very closely!




Our final piece for this week's Weekend Update is the marvellous new video Dark Souls II: Rogue Warrior featuring the music of Protector 101 and Zero Call. This gives the 80s Saturday Morning Cartoon treatment to the extremely masochistic Dark Souls II video game from the creative talents of animator extraordinaire Veselekov.  Totally rockin.



That does it for another Weekend Update on Synthetix.FM, I hope you've found some great new music to make your weekend rock that 80s love just a little bit more.

I'll be back during the week with more exciting music from the 80s inspired synth scene, 'til then stay 80s and keep on rockin.

Synthetix Weekend Update

I'm currently fighting through a harsh cold and my concentration span is borderline delusional, but I'm going to attempt to get through an abbreviated Weekend Update to make sure I don't get too far behind in all the rockin tunes that have come out this past week.


First up is another great new track from Alpha Boy. So soon after his spectacular Home EP Alpha Boy has now shared a new experience titled 'New York'. In this track we find a new ambiance for the producer's sound, with a clean and spatial soundscape that tells a wonderfully rich story.



New rockers on the scene Le Chat Et La Fille entered my world this week and this duo of feline and female have my interest piqued. 'Jean Paul (ne pars pas)' is a minimalist electro pop synth track has a classically authentic 80s sound and a delightful european refinement. Their previous EP sounds much more experimental, but I hope they've found their sound direction with this new track, which is available for FREE download through the player.



One of the finest purveyors of quality giallo disco is back with a fantastic new three track EP of dark soundtrack horror disco. Vercetti Technicolor was one of the originators of this new form of classic 70s and 80s horror synth and his new release, Arps Of Mythology is a trilogy of expansive suites that are constructed for maximum terror. Each track is full of presence and embedded with a supreme malevolence that is irresistibly brutal. Another quality release from this marvellous producer.



Let us stay well ensconced in the shadows and take in another new Noir Deco track from his forthcoming self-titled album. 'Maeror' is another deeply dark and pulsating opus with some absolutely beautiful passages of crystal clear calmness in the middle stages. Noir Deco's style distills even more in this track and all the elements seem to come together in an effortless manner.




It must be the time of the month for everyone's darker sides to come out as even Dallas Campbell has gone to the dark side of the synths with his new track 'Return To Earth'. The melodies form and then quickly dissipate as the cosmic winds take the music into dimensions unknown. The freeform nature of this track is highly engaging and Mr Campbell manages to always keep a finely tuned balance between light and dark elements. Currently available for FREE download.




MurderOne is taking things into his own hands with another totally rockin dark synth track with his new adventure 'Heartbeat 2009'. Spiked with sample upon sample and laced with a diabolical cocktail of sinister synths this is one really takes you into the darker places most of us fear to tread.




Moving ever so slowly into lighter territory we find Fantastisizer this week in 'Red Space'. This poignantly written soundtrack synth piece is full of haunting beauty and delicate details. The music has a deep narrative that shares it's secrets in slow motion before the listener's very eyes and the subtleties of the synthscape provides even more engagement.




Python Blue's own brand of soundtrack synth work always seems to make for an epic experience and his track 'Engineers' adds a slightly mechanical/industrial futuristic edge to the atmosphere. The drama is deliberately employed with a hint of danger and the otherworldly details allow for many twists and turns in the story.




The Electric Dissection modus operandi took on a very interesting new direction this past week with a sublime new track going by the name of 'Lonely Nights'.  The music is Library-esque in tone but tells a very intricately formed story that packs massive amounts of rockin into four minutes and nine seconds. The music really takes on a life of it's own and feels very natural and honest, be sure to add this to your collection through the FREE download link in the player.




Time to rock some hot Italo action and the great new track from Bobby Outro does this in spades. 'Italo X (Farewell)' is fully of classic sounds and arrangements that hook hard and bite deep with infection grooves and melodic transmissions.  I love how this track evolves and forms it's own destiny throughout the five plus minute duration, definitely lending a live-jam feel to it that is wonderfully energising.




A new rocker from the UK with an ear for vintage synth sounds is Mooginizer and his new track 'Getting Hot' finds him experimenting in some very interesting soundscapes. There is a great deal of modern elements and arrangements throughout this track but I can definitely feel an 80s soul burning brightly in it's inner core. However the track simply rocks, and thats what matters.




And speaking of rockin, the new Neon Vandal track, 'Furiosa' takes some hardcore synth rockin to the streets and blasts through the danger zone along the way. This pounding ride into hell is absolutely kick arse as the synth guitars trade riffs, blow for blow, over a turbo charged drum track. I'm surprised this kind of thing doesn't crop up more often in the scene, but I'm sure glad Neon Vandal went into six string oblivion for this piece, and was able to return and tell the tale.



That does us for this abbreviated Weekend Update on Synthetix.FM. I'll be back next week with new reviews as soon as this cold takes it's leave of me, which can't happen soon enough.

'Till then, as always, stay 80s and keep on rockin.

Synthetix Weekend Update

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

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

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

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




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




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




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




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




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




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



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



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




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




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




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



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




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