Synthetix Weekend Update

Halloween Epilogue

It should be no surprise to anyone that I didn't get to cover all the music I wanted to over the Halloween period. To make some slight amends to this I wanted to quickly mention a few releases you'd do well to pick up in the post-Halloween aftermath. It's getting hard to prioritise releases I want to review on Synthetix.FM at certain times, like now, when there's a huge influx. I figure if I can't write in depth about them then the least I can do is link to them from here for your own further investigations.

A release I wanted to cover but never got the chance is the great new concept record from Protector 101. His soundtrack to Black Friday 2: Blood Money (The Uncut Version) is marvellous example of this producer's creativity that gets set ablaze by small sparks and then roar into a spectacular inferno. Beautifully realised soundtrack synth that will capture your imagination.

Taking a trip into darkly experimental areas we find Make Up And Vanity Set's new EP Manifold. The synthscape is dark and twisted and challenging to fully take in in some places but the MAVS synth soul seems to always be there to take the music back into less threatening passages.  Many contrasting emotions are explored and detailed and the bleakness of the opening pieces is given hopeful differentiation towards the EP's end chapters.

More rockin soundtrack oriented synth from Python Blue came out recently. His Cyborg album displays much understanding of descriptive passages and how to detail superbly implemented narrative sequences once again. Drama and anger can reach incredible highs while his introspective pieces add even more weight to the experience. The emotional investment in each track is clearly audible, making for an inspiring journey.

Another release that I couldn't possibly live with myself for not sharing is the new Droid Bishop EP: The Irrelevance Of Space & Time. This five track affair is rocking to the max with a noticeable exploration of his melodies that pumps even more galactic energies into his pieces. The EP displays an evolution in the Droid Bishop sound and a step up in production too. It's a fantastic experience in quality 80s inspired synth sounds with that futuristic space-themed edge that Droid Bishop does so very well.

I also wanted to make sure no one misses out on Vector Hold's full length album that he's released on Bandcamp called Classics. This eighteen track behemoth is a compilation of all of his recent singles, many of which I've been covering on Synthetix.FM throughout the year, but in this huge format it becomes a force of renewed vigour and power. It's a diverse album that covers a tonne of genres, but Vector Hold rocks them all and the album serves as a wonderful document of Vector Hold's musical journeys in 2013.

Right on,  now let's get into the the nitty gritty of this week's Weekend Update on Synthetix.FM!


Bobby Outro's new track 'Smash Groove' is exactly what you'd expect of a track titled Smash Groove. The hook in this piece is totally kick arse and the excitement he extracts from it is purely brilliant. The percussion is full of classic presence while every synth elements is implemented for maximum pleasure.

Injecting dangerously high doses of funk into your weekend is Les Chic Voltage with his new track 'Club Malibu'. Theres a definite avant-gard angle to the synthscape but the music is solidly set in 80s moods. The progression of the track is jazzy and experimental in nature with a whole lot of funk rockin being the priority.




Cobra Copter keeps on matching his high work rate with high quality as this last week has again seen two tracks surface; both delivering rad 80s synth sounds. 'Eternia Knights' is a slow burning epic that builds with a marching reverence that introduces beautifully accented guitars through the adventure. Conversely on 'Murphy, It's You' we're treated to high energy electro breakin' boombox ammunition of a super high calibre.




Incorporating his recent Funk You EP Alpha Boy's just unleashed a new LP entitled For You. The familiar Alpha Boy sounds are taken into some interesting new contexts on For You as his playful Italo inspired melodies are allowed to take broader strides and intimate more varied narratives. Tracks like 'Superstar 911' and 'Flamingo' have instantly become some of my favourite Alpha Boy jams, be sure to check out the full release for the full experience of Alpha Boy's latest creation.



Something new from Riddlis now that I found very enlightening to listen to. 'Stories' is a very engaging track as it's melodies and arrangements are very interestingly put together. The combination of modern and vintage sounds are entrancing, with dancing melodies that layers like soft veils of electric light. It's a wonderfully positive vibe from beginning to end.




New from Bluezz Vylez is a hot rockin track called 'Craters And Lovers'. This piece marks a triumphant return for this producer after an absence of nearly four months and what a triumphant return it is. The quirky nature of this producer's music is evident once again as melodies are driven in exciting directions and the action is exciting through each of the track's passages.




Babylon 86 turned the rock levels up to maximum on his new track 'The Vice'. The Jan Hammer/Miami Vice inspiration is prevalent throughout as the action is densely packed in with guitars and synths trading blows in glorious vivid colours. This is a killer track, and is currently available for FREE download through the link in the player.




Nickee B has been one of my favourite proponents of quality synth funk for more than a year now, and whenever a new experience of his surfaces it's always a red letter day. In 'Can't Get Enough Of Your Love' the Nickee B synth funk machine is running hot classic 80s sounds arranged with an ear for more  modern styles but the story in this piece transcends all space and time, with a stunning final chapter that is completely spellbinding.




JEJE80 HomeProduction (or Spacious Sweep, to his close friends and admirers) just release a great new track called 'Defence Of The Ancients'. The drama is very apparent in the lead melodies and horrific samples that lace the atmosphere, while a driving bassline gives the experience a vital impetus.




In one of the dream team ups of 2013 we find Patrick Baker and Televisor joining neon forces to create a romping synth pop gem in 'Can't Get Enough'. The pure pop brilliance of both of these artists are apparent from the outset and the rockin just doesn't stop. 80s soul and a modern edge give this a magical aura that is unmistakably Televisor, add in Mr Baker's golden tones for bubblegum pop refined and re-engineered for a new age.




NightStop's been busy this week with two great tracks shared. It was a bit hard to choose between the two, but 'Aerobics' offers a majestic Winwood/Rain Sword-esque lead melody I simply couldn't resist. The music is light and energetic and full of 80s love, while his other piece 'Drive-By Stalking' takes his sounds into much darker moods with a penchant for nocturnal violence. Both tracks rock hard in wonderfully different ways.




A new rocker for Synthetix.FM! I'm very pleased to introduce KFDDA to everyone and his gorgeous new piece of melting synth romance 'Flammamor'. The intimate melodies are beautifully crafted with intimacy and longing, the entire piece is one protracted, warm embrace the emits golden allure throughout.




More arse kicking synth from Python Blue! He's just released 'Eclipse' as a FREE download track and it's a hot rockin affair full of pounding drums, electric synths and high tension. Python Blue's gift for arrangements is wonderfully realised in this piece as each element is introduced and evolved with  pin-point precision. Refined to perfection and performed for pure exhilaration.




Timecop1983 is back with new emotional piece entitled 'Childhood Memories'. The synthscape is mellow and sparse with each element phased in and out time and space, adding a hugely nostalgic flavour to the experience. It's haunting and uplifting at the same time and quickly becomes very easy to get lost in. Be sure to check Timecop1983's 'Space Jam' track which he also shared this week, which is also a FREE download.




Our final piece for this week's Weekend Update is a rockin track from another new artist on the scene: Le Roix. Fusing dramatic and powerful percussion with smoothly angelic melodies, 'Goodbye' is a wondrous adventure in synth romance. Many thanks to Sam Haggblad for enlightening me to Le Roix!





One final note before I finish of this Weekend Update, I've received a few emails regarding some music tracks being out of wack with my writing, or pointing to an entirely different song. If you see this occur, please let me know through the contact form with the details of what needs fixing and I'll get onto it. I need to know what needs fixing exactly though. I'm not sure if it's a browser issue or just my ineptitude, so please bear with me and let me know if somethings amiss. I do realise, when looking back through posts, that some tracks are no longer on soundcloud, I can't do much about that and I won't be going back and adjusting them all however, if a producer wishes to remove a track that is their prerogative.

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

Synthetix Weekend Update

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

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

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

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

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

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


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




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




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




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




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



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


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




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




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

 

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




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



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


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



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






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

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

Synthetix Weekend Update

Time to get rockin and add some aural 80s neon to your weekend with the latest batch of hot releases from the scene with the new Synthetix Weekend Update!

First up is a hot new track from Spanish duo Cougar Synth. This pair have made some superb synth experiences this year, full of emotive melodies and a genuine authenticity to their sounds. On 'Wild Inside' the duo channels the classic movie Cat People for some poignantly crafted synth romance with purrfect results. Currently available for FREE download through the link in the player.

Gina Calabrese is back with a new track that intimates darker tones and mystery and broods along with a suspicious saunter. 'Missing Hours' is definitely on the darker side of spectrum but it retains a austerity that intimates on a cerebral level more so than tearing our flesh asunder. It's this subtlety that gives the piece the space and time to fully intimate all it's melodic details.

One of the highlights this past week was the totally rockin new track from PWNDTIAC. This producer has been plying his remixing craft through lots of different electronic genres over the last six months but he's returned to some classic 80s sounds and moods in his all new original track  'Can't Stop Now'. The cranking bassline and hypnotic melodies are right on point, heres hoping for more new original PWNDTIAC tracks in the future. This is currently available for FREE download too.

Lost Years is up to Version 2 of his hot new track 'Remedies' and it's already rockin to the max. Fast paced melodies and frenetic percussion highlight the magical Lost Years synthscapes. Even in this short preview format the sheer amount of energy compressed into this two minute teaser is breathtaking.

Out now on Werkstatt Recordings is the new two track EP from Jet & Danger entitled Silent Strike, consisting of the original mix of the track plus a Kung Fu Grip Vip Mix on the B side. The music is dramatic and full of rockin synth energy but the star of the show is definitely the vocal track. This is one of the best male vocal tracks since Den Haan's Gods From Outer Space album for pure 80s masculine intensity that takes no prisoners and demands your attention. This is a totally kick arse double shot of testosterone dripping synth shock rock and is available for FREE download so rock it like a hurricane ASAP.

Pumping Body is back with another stellar synthscapade in 'Mature Guy'. The synth romance is fervently applied in layer upon layer of lasciviously lovely melodic passages. The percussion is rockin in all the right ways with nifty handclaps peppered throughout. I'm assuming this is a work-in-progress due to it finishing all too abruptly, but hopefully this will be remedied in the future.

Keeping the romance level sugary sweet and set to maximum crush is the wonderful new track from NFD Music entitled 'Pop Mannequin'. Everything about this piece is just fluffy pink neon, first kiss of summer, holding hands in homeroom brilliance. The melodies and arrangements are instantly entrancing and the gentle grip holds you close throughout. Marvellous track.

Moving into night time adventures and a definitely more OutRun flavour is one hell of rockin new track from Nightstop called 'Harrison Ford'. The build on this piece is spectacular as a narrative is played out with passage after passage of exciting synths sounds. The drama is keep to tantalising dangerous levels through the hugely powerful final acts of the experience. Many thanks to to Halyein for enlightening me to this artist. Be sure to pick up your own FREE copy of 'Harrison Ford' and rock it hard.

Mr Maen is back with a killer new synth funk jam that is full of classic sounds and arranged with much beauty. I'm not sure if this is written as a sequel or an alternate envisioning to the classic 80s funk track 'Walkin In The Rain' by Oran Juice Jones, but this by no means a cover. The emotionally pointed vocals intimate delightfully with the fragile melodies creating a superb ambiance. Pick up your own copy of this track through the link in the player.

There is something magical about the new Ezavskih track that I can't get enough of. 'End Credits' is a partially ChipTune oriented soundscape but the melodies are deeply emotive 80s designs with sweeping accents and thoroughly magical key changes. The overall mood is light and jubilant with a hint of introspection, exactly what you'd expect a track titled 'End Credits' to realise. Be sure to grab your FREE while you can.

Let us stay on the more epic end of the synth spectrum with composer new to Synthetix.FM going by the name of Haüer and his incredibly moving new experience 'Homefires'. The build through this adventure is incredible with richly developed passages leading into wondrous new vistas. There is just so much packed into this track, it's a masterfully crafted piece from beginning to end. Many thanks to Protector 101 for introducing me to this great talent.

Lightening the mood and turning the brightness up is Pulse 80 and their new track 'Solar Summer'. This is a very interesting track as it seems to be a slower and more deliberate form of classic italo disco. The melodies are crisply detailled, and the percussion adds distinctly to the soundscape but there is a constant air of restrain to the music. It's a very interesting combination to say the least. Be sure to grab your own FREE copy of this track while you can.

One of the biggest hits of this past week was the preview minimix for the next Mitch Murder EP release  entitled The Touch. This  tour de force of Mitch Murder's individualised synthscapes finds us moving through smoothly orchestrated movements, into high energy guitar laced drama and library oriented pieces all with that glossy Mitch Murder Magic injected into every element. We don't have long to wait to full release, thankfully, as it's out on July 25th and I'll be sure to give it the full Synthetix.FM treatment next week.

Finally on this weeks Weekend Update we have a double shot from one of the new masters of high energy dark synth, Carpenter Brut. First up is his totally rockin track 'Chew BubbleGum And Kick Ass'. This is sample laced juggernaut of synth crunching brutality is absolutely killing it non-stop. I must say Carpenter Brut is one of the few composers in the scene who can manage to keep 80s elements well pronounced in his music without descending too far into chaos, as is evidenced throughout this track. This provides stunning contrast from beginning to end.

The second part of this Carpenter Brut double shot is the spectacular new video teaser for his next EP.
This is easily the most exciting preview I've ever seen to a new release. This captures so much of the Carpenter Brut aesthetic visually and takes things even further. The editing throughout this is superb and makes the music even more visceral. I've watched this dozens of times and still get shivers. EP II will be out in September on Black Bvs records and I can personally guarantee it'll be worth the wait.

For now, rock this:

CARPENTER BRUT - TEASER EP II from Deka Brothers on Vimeo.

I hope you haven't passed out from the insane levels of excitement created by that preview!

That does it for another rockin Weekend Update on Synthetix.FM, I hope you've had as much fun as I've had and I'll look forward to sharing more good times and great rock'n'roll from the 80s inspired synth scene next week. 'Till then, stay 80s and keep on rockin!