It's that time of the week once again, time for your weekly overdose of synth fuelled radness as the Synthetix Weekend Update injects your heart and imagination with aural luminescent 80s love. Crank your volume up to dangerous levels and rock it to the max!
First up is the epic new adventure in slow moving soundtrack synth from Lambda. 'Replenish' is deep with emotional gravity and contemplative introspection, the narrative gets heavier and heavier as the feelings transgress into new dimensions. Currently available for FREE download.
In his latest track Bobby Outro becomes a times travelling producer with 'RetroClash'. The tone of this piece is totally rockin as it crosses about three decades in it's sounds and emotions. Elements of early 90s techno, 80s italo and 70s progressive are all present and the Bobby Outro magic combines them into one sumptuous feast of electronic energy.
The previews for hot new releases in the near future are coming thick and fast and one of the most exciting is the new album from one of Synthetix.FM's favourite avant garde engineers of synthual majesty: Navigateur. Each of the teasers in this preview are spectacular in their presence and ambiance. A universe of scenes and emotions are sure to be explored in the full release which will occur sometime this season.
Steel Sky's back this week with two tracks, my favourite of which is 'Rebirth'. A richly detailled story drives this powerhouse track with a ferocity that is unrelenting. The contrasting lead synths are evocative and much more intimate but it's the kick arse bass line and drum tracks that give it such awesome momentum. Be sure to check out Steel Sky's other track shared this week here.
A hot new track from RF Extreme this past week displays a slightly more ambiant side to his musical personality. 'Future Highway' is both dramatic and poignant with a vast soundscape that gives the listener a solitary atmosphere. Out on a dark road, all alone with the sounds of the future echoing a synth fuelled sirens call.
Next up is a wonderful new homage track from Alpha Boy. I do have a soft spot for Alpha Boy's tracks that he writes with direct inspiration and dedication, something very personal and wonderful occurs. In 'Carl Sagan' we hear a more spatially oriented and minimalist Alpha Boy synthscape which is complemented perfectly by one of Carl Sagan's classically insightful sound bites.
Spain's most rockingest synth exports, Cougar Synth, are certainly on of my favourites acts of 2013. With their new track we hear a more laboured and wound down piece that uses emotionally contrasted melodies to create a wonderful new synthscape. 'Future Shock' rocks with an almost tortured rhythm that is teased into life with delicate lead melody that is a delight to behold. Currently available for FREE download.
I feel a bit of a fool for doubting the new Anoraak would be rockin, but one can get a bit jaded with the amount producers who were making 80s inspired music a few years ago and have now changed direction entirely. It brings me immense joy that the new Anoraak song 'Morning Light' from his forthcoming album retains much of the 80s soul of his earlier work. Shades of Tesla Boy can be experienced in the presentation too, which is always kick arse.
A hot new track from Quasars certainly gets the energy flowing and 'Gym' is positively coursing with vibrant 80s neon power. The synth romance moods are wonderfully explored as synth flourishes and cow bell accents drive the adventure into the red zone. Currently available for FREE download, be sure to get it in your next work out mixtape.
Next up is a hot new rocker in the evolved 80s scene going by the name of Kn1ght. The music is full of scintillating passion and climbing melodies that ascend to the heavens at a blistering speed. Sounds are razor sharp and arranged for maximum drama as the blend of horror synth and OutRun make for an explosively combustible experience. Be sure to check out the totally rad official music video to 'Last Moon' here as well. Many thanks to Saadettin 'Sady K' Kahriman and Recep Ünel for enlightening me to this hot new talent.
The rockin just keeps getting hotter as LA Dreams takes us on another trip into the neon nights with 'Outside Insiders'. Heady melodies are ignited with passionate lead solos that sweep and groove in magnificently authentic fashion courtesy of one of the scenes brightest stars. The LA Dreams magic flows strong and bright from beginning to end.
Stellar Dreams are releasing a killer new EP called Audiolove at the end of October and they've just shared a three part teaser for it. Three distinctly styled pieces are present and all of them are sounding very exciting indeed. It's still a while off, but I'll endeavour to make sure this doesn't get lost in the Halloween Rush.
Vector Hold is taking to sun drenched and romantic places with his new track 'Venice Beach'. The air of salty synth romance is warm and welcoming as smoothly flowing melodies sparkle across the inviting blue waters. Sumptuous and full of quality 80s emotions this track is currently available for FREE download.
The Skull And Shark project that has been under construction for the best part of 2013 is building to a impending unleashing of the combined talents of Dave Rapoza and Lazerhawk. The latest teaser alludes to more announcements around Halloween but the music contained in this short clip is enough to get anyone foaming at the mouth in rabid anticipation of this mixed medium experience.
Retro Culture is an Australian band that channel a plethora of 80s styles and emotions and package them into a format that's smooth, funky and totally rockin to the max. 'Hypnotized' is their latest song and it's a tour de force of funk synth, disco guitars and pop vocals. The music is upbeat and resplendent in 80s pop magic. Be sure to grab a FREE copy of this song through the link in the player.
It's personal policy of mine not to cover remixes on Synthetix.FM. I believe there are many other places online that cover remixes and I would much rather support original creative projects but on a very rare occasion I find myself unable to enforce this policy. This is the case with the absolutely incredible remix by Highway Superstar of Peter Robinson's 'Why'd You Go And Break My Heart'. Highway Superstar has recognised the 80s soul in the vocal performance and engineered an amazing new vision for it that is simply 80s pop perfection. You can pick up a copy of the EP including the remix on Beatport here.
That finishes up another blockbuster Weekend Update on Synthetix.FM, I hope you've had as much fun as I have and found a bunch of new favourite tunes from the 80s inspired synth scene.
I'll be back with more rockin action over the coming week.
'Til then, stay 80s and keep on rockin.
Showing posts with label Peter Robinson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Peter Robinson. Show all posts
Saturday, September 14, 2013
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
A Double Shot From Future City Records
With a great stable of artists that is continually growing, Future City Records have fast become one of my favourite labels over the years. The diversity of their talent is one of their stronger characteristics and with two brand new releases this past week, that diversity is certainly being expanded even further.
Peter Robinson - Midnight Prophet
First up is a beautiful new two track EP from the creative imagination of Peter Robinson. His previous EP Theme From Manta Ray (reviewed on Synthetix.FM here) displayed his talent for fabricating gentle and picturesque synth journeys. In his latest release those journeys continue, into new spaces and times.
The titular 'Midnight Prophet' begins the proceedings and the tender melodies begin in earnest, dancing and flickering in beautifully organic way. Sounds are light and breezy, the muted percussion complements these delicately orchestrated synthscapes which entrance and charm. It's this serenely cast palette of aural delight which really personifies the Peter Robinson sound.
The B side to Midnight Prophet is the equally divine 'Lost In A Dream'. Adding some more esoteric progressions and keeping the synths formed from aural gossamer itself allows for a story to be told that brings a vivid surrealism to the elements. I love the way the bassline holds the track together while synth melodies and details form their own imaginative realities, borne from a colourful subconscious and allowed to bend their own identities into fantastical new forms.
This is wonderfully crafted EP which deserves your attention and imagination, let Peter Robinson guide you through his dreams crafted as music soon and often.
PowercuT - Paradise
Even though the soundscape provides a huge differential between PowercuT and Peter Robinson there is a common tie that binds these two releases in that their both cut from the cloth of a hazy dream time, although from a very different place.
PowercuT is a producer whom works in the field of loops and reimaginings of vintage tracks, thereby adding new flavours and personalities to them. One of my favourite artists in the field is Laserdisc Visions, who's work I've been an ardent follower of over the years. The PowercuT style is a different brand of vaporwave however, and makes for a new and exciting listening experience.
The source material drawn from on Paradise is definitely 80s funk and R&B sounds, and it's this source material which makes the PowercuT experience so wondrous. The smooth melodies are taken into a cloud-like dimension where details are smeared into each other, only allowing for specific ideas to be realised whilst the soundscape bends and collapses in upon itself.
This allows for some absolutely mind blowing experiences, such as the incredibly lush 'Morning Swim'. The unintelligible vocal refrain is completely hypnotising in it's repetition and the music seems to coalesce into an innate hook that sparkles through the slow motion haziness. This is exactly the kind of piece I could happily have on repeat for tens of times to fully appreciate it's sublime brilliance.
'Paradise' is full of sax heavy pieces that continually arouse the listener's curiosity with their sensual tones that intimate to moments that are wistfully presented yet felt deeply. PowercuT uses some exceptionally long loops for the vaporwave style and keeps much of their soul intact, rarely erasing their original personality. In doing so all the pieces on Paradise have an immediacy to them which is then manipulated into dreamier states but always remaining true.
The PowercuT sound, and the vaporwave genre in general, may not be for everyone but this EP is a very good introduction to this genre, right down to his retelling of M-Town Vice's 'Fear Of 90s' track. There is something about this style that I really love, and if you're new to this kind of music you could do far worse than to take a trip to Paradise with PowercuT. His grasp of how to make his samples take on new life yet remain wholly relevant is a joy to listen to.
Peter Robinson - Midnight Prophet
First up is a beautiful new two track EP from the creative imagination of Peter Robinson. His previous EP Theme From Manta Ray (reviewed on Synthetix.FM here) displayed his talent for fabricating gentle and picturesque synth journeys. In his latest release those journeys continue, into new spaces and times.
The titular 'Midnight Prophet' begins the proceedings and the tender melodies begin in earnest, dancing and flickering in beautifully organic way. Sounds are light and breezy, the muted percussion complements these delicately orchestrated synthscapes which entrance and charm. It's this serenely cast palette of aural delight which really personifies the Peter Robinson sound.
The B side to Midnight Prophet is the equally divine 'Lost In A Dream'. Adding some more esoteric progressions and keeping the synths formed from aural gossamer itself allows for a story to be told that brings a vivid surrealism to the elements. I love the way the bassline holds the track together while synth melodies and details form their own imaginative realities, borne from a colourful subconscious and allowed to bend their own identities into fantastical new forms.
This is wonderfully crafted EP which deserves your attention and imagination, let Peter Robinson guide you through his dreams crafted as music soon and often.
PowercuT - Paradise
Even though the soundscape provides a huge differential between PowercuT and Peter Robinson there is a common tie that binds these two releases in that their both cut from the cloth of a hazy dream time, although from a very different place.
PowercuT is a producer whom works in the field of loops and reimaginings of vintage tracks, thereby adding new flavours and personalities to them. One of my favourite artists in the field is Laserdisc Visions, who's work I've been an ardent follower of over the years. The PowercuT style is a different brand of vaporwave however, and makes for a new and exciting listening experience.
The source material drawn from on Paradise is definitely 80s funk and R&B sounds, and it's this source material which makes the PowercuT experience so wondrous. The smooth melodies are taken into a cloud-like dimension where details are smeared into each other, only allowing for specific ideas to be realised whilst the soundscape bends and collapses in upon itself.
This allows for some absolutely mind blowing experiences, such as the incredibly lush 'Morning Swim'. The unintelligible vocal refrain is completely hypnotising in it's repetition and the music seems to coalesce into an innate hook that sparkles through the slow motion haziness. This is exactly the kind of piece I could happily have on repeat for tens of times to fully appreciate it's sublime brilliance.
'Paradise' is full of sax heavy pieces that continually arouse the listener's curiosity with their sensual tones that intimate to moments that are wistfully presented yet felt deeply. PowercuT uses some exceptionally long loops for the vaporwave style and keeps much of their soul intact, rarely erasing their original personality. In doing so all the pieces on Paradise have an immediacy to them which is then manipulated into dreamier states but always remaining true.
The PowercuT sound, and the vaporwave genre in general, may not be for everyone but this EP is a very good introduction to this genre, right down to his retelling of M-Town Vice's 'Fear Of 90s' track. There is something about this style that I really love, and if you're new to this kind of music you could do far worse than to take a trip to Paradise with PowercuT. His grasp of how to make his samples take on new life yet remain wholly relevant is a joy to listen to.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Peter Robinson's Theme From Manta Ray EP
Courtesy of the super hard rockin Future City Records we have a stellar new two track EP from the talented Peter Robinson. Fresh from his recent work with Vincenzo Salvia (covered previously on Synthetix.FM here) Mr Robinson has released two new tracks under the title of Theme From Manta Ray EP.
One might be lead to believe that Theme From Manta Ray and it's partner track Theme from Time Traveller would be possibly sci-fi soundtrack synth scored for drama and action but this couldn't be further from the truth. Both pieces are unequivocally bright and sunny adventures full of joyous melodies and uplifting arrangements.
Theme From Manta Ray opens up with a melody completely basking in golden rays of light. It's utterly splendid in delivery with sounds brightly befitting the melodies and adaptations that fully realise the spirit of the melodious harmonies. This piece of music paints a picture for me of sun dappled shallows along a tropical reef, populated by a myriad of colourful fish darting in and around beds of vibrant coral. The manta ray floats effortlessly through the water with a streamlined elegance that mimics the flow of the glimmering music, creating a palatial ambiance, pulsing with a glowing aural aura.
The second track continues along similar lines with Theme From Time Traveller, however much of the joyous buoyancy of Theme From Manta Ray is exchanged for delightfully quizzical melodies that are inquisitive and minutely worded while remaining lustrous and captivating. This short piece is full of a warming tones and a downright charming naivete that displays a genuine understanding of what 80s inspired synth music is all about.
The Theme From Manta Ray EP is presented on Future City Records' Bandcamp page here and comes very highly recommended from Synthetix.FM for lovers of music that warms the heart, engages the mind and enriches the soul.
One might be lead to believe that Theme From Manta Ray and it's partner track Theme from Time Traveller would be possibly sci-fi soundtrack synth scored for drama and action but this couldn't be further from the truth. Both pieces are unequivocally bright and sunny adventures full of joyous melodies and uplifting arrangements.
Theme From Manta Ray opens up with a melody completely basking in golden rays of light. It's utterly splendid in delivery with sounds brightly befitting the melodies and adaptations that fully realise the spirit of the melodious harmonies. This piece of music paints a picture for me of sun dappled shallows along a tropical reef, populated by a myriad of colourful fish darting in and around beds of vibrant coral. The manta ray floats effortlessly through the water with a streamlined elegance that mimics the flow of the glimmering music, creating a palatial ambiance, pulsing with a glowing aural aura.
The second track continues along similar lines with Theme From Time Traveller, however much of the joyous buoyancy of Theme From Manta Ray is exchanged for delightfully quizzical melodies that are inquisitive and minutely worded while remaining lustrous and captivating. This short piece is full of a warming tones and a downright charming naivete that displays a genuine understanding of what 80s inspired synth music is all about.
The Theme From Manta Ray EP is presented on Future City Records' Bandcamp page here and comes very highly recommended from Synthetix.FM for lovers of music that warms the heart, engages the mind and enriches the soul.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Vincenzo Salvia & Peter Robinson Return To Mars
A new single, on most occassions is kept to the Weekend Update posts, but on the odd occassion a single release becomes deserving of it's own place in the weekday posts on Synthetix. This week saw the release of another collaboration this time between Vincenzo Salvia and Peter Robinson. Their combined efforts have resulted in the Return To The Red Planet single which provides some absolutely stunning off-world synth entertainment.
Both composers feel at home in their space travel to Mars, their styles seem to be completely complimentary throughout the journey. The sparkling synths have a beautifully weighted body to them in the zero gravity atmosphere, rising and falling on undulating waves through the starscape. Theres an atmosphere of complete epiphany in the production, triumphant arrangements are full of hope and devoid of any possible danger on the long journey to the red planet.
The nuances of the experience really come out upon multiple listens. The main melody is the focus on the first time through, but when enjoyed multiple times the huge amount of other details begin falling like stars, leaving glittering trails behind them as the soundscape seems to draw back and reveal even more of it's cosmic wonders. The end result is fascinating and wholly engaging in it's traversing the void of space and bringing to light a new hope for a new future on a new planet.
Future City Records presents the Return To Mars single release on their Bandcamp page here and I encourage everyone who looks to the heavens for guidance, hope or love to take home a copy today.
Both composers feel at home in their space travel to Mars, their styles seem to be completely complimentary throughout the journey. The sparkling synths have a beautifully weighted body to them in the zero gravity atmosphere, rising and falling on undulating waves through the starscape. Theres an atmosphere of complete epiphany in the production, triumphant arrangements are full of hope and devoid of any possible danger on the long journey to the red planet.
The nuances of the experience really come out upon multiple listens. The main melody is the focus on the first time through, but when enjoyed multiple times the huge amount of other details begin falling like stars, leaving glittering trails behind them as the soundscape seems to draw back and reveal even more of it's cosmic wonders. The end result is fascinating and wholly engaging in it's traversing the void of space and bringing to light a new hope for a new future on a new planet.
Future City Records presents the Return To Mars single release on their Bandcamp page here and I encourage everyone who looks to the heavens for guidance, hope or love to take home a copy today.
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