By Michael CA L
Phaserland is an artist who has the rare ability to keep exploring new musical territory while at the same time stamping his own unique trademark into each track he produces. His style is unmistakable, and from the opening moments of any of the songs within his growing body of work, the listener accepts that they're heading into the great sonic unknown while at the same time knowing that the experience will invariably be rife with stylish synth melodies, slickly executed chord changes, crisp and complex rhythmic elements, and an overall atmosphere and tone that is distinctly and retro-futuristically urban.
This urban sound I refer to, however, has nothing to do with the latest trends and attitudes of the moment that seem to take shape, magnify, and spread outward beyond the city limits of contemporary culture. On the contrary, this urban sound I'm referencing has much more to do with the look, feel, sound, attitudes and atmospheres found within a metropolitan melting pot that doesn't currently exist and quite possibly never did. It's a sound that formed within a city from an alternate reality or perhaps a city that is exclusively of the mind rather than one that actually exists in today's world. And despite not having a place on maps, in history books or in cultural studies texts, it's a city that I believe many aficionados of synthwave and other 80s-inspired music will recognize as easily as they recognize their own homes. This city is an amalgamation of concepts and ideas whose origins lay in the idealism of the mid-twentieth century and percolated throughout the ensuing decades only to be refined, polished and unleashed en masse in the 1980s. These concepts and ideas included new developments in science fiction film and literature (perhaps most notably, cyberpunk); the high-concept and often futuristic aesthetic found within the art, fashion and architecture of the times; the advancements in science and robotics; as well as the scientific theories, and philosophical questions on post and trans-humanism that took on a more fixed shape in this era.
These concepts and ideas (of which I've named only a few), have been taken by many 80s-influenced music-makers and remembered, re-examined, and reshaped to form new meanings and new interpretations, and Phaserland is an artist who takes this exercise to another level entirely. His work has a precision, a focus and a unique identity that is distinct among artists operating within the 80's-inspired scene, and these elements come together in such an inspired and visionary manner that the final product is not just a collection of perfectly-fitting pieces that contain powerful references to the aforementioned concepts, but complete cities unto themselves. Phaserland's latest city, Resemblance in Machine, is a powerful space to walk within.
Dusty Universe
Upon first entering this off-map metropolis, the tourist/listener is greeted by the atmospheric sounds of the EP's opening track "Dusty Universe." Like the Ident music for a broadcasting corporation or film distribution company from an anachronistic retro-future, the track has a welcoming tone to it that beckons you to put another foot forward and commit more fully to engaging with the new environment you're about to enter. It's a soothing introductory composition, with enticing guitar licks and a sweeping, hydraulic fluidity that is reminiscent of some of the ambient experiments found on Pink Floyd's synth-heavy and beautifully produced 80's albums A Momentary Lapse of Reason and The Division Bell. Those familiar with songs such as "Marooned", "Signs of Life" and "Terminal Frost" from the aforementioned albums will appreciate the combination of smooth guitar coupled with crystalline synthesizer pads. The result is a beautiful merging of the organic and the synthetic, and the result is an irresistible temptation to walk boldly into the cityscape of Resemblance in Machine and see what more it has to offer.
Resemblance in Machine
Whereas the opening track pulls the listener gently through the city gates, the EP's eponymous track is bold in its plan to hold you within its sway and teach you about the new city you find yourself in. With a light step and an up-front swagger, the synth melodies and slick grooves of "Resemblance in Machine" are presented at a steady mid-tempo that implies confidence and reassures the urban tourist. "Although you're very much a stranger in a strange land", the track seems to say, "you're in good hands and will enjoy your stay."
A crisp, closed hi-hat ticks away between kick and snare and the lead synth melody ventures in daring and surprising directions, all the while inspiring thoughts of moving smoothly through darkened streets lined with the soft glow of neon lighting, the curb-side hustlers beckoning the tourist to buy their wares. What these shadowy figures are selling is anybody's guess, but I image it could be everything from black-market neurolink transmitters to high-priced, antique cassette tape decks that went missing from the mansions of the rich in the uptown Delta sector of the city several days before.
There's a segment at two minutes and thirty seconds into the track when the beat breaks itself down and an overdriven guitar bleeds itself into the mix, the two elements converging in a manner that creates something that's both aggressive and imposing and restrained and coolly impartial to the risk, all at the same time. It's a beautiful component in a truly fantastic song, and it leaves a powerful impression on the listener. Beyond this segment, the song plunges headlong back into its slick and melodic groove before switching off the neon lights with an echo that's the sonic equivalent of a strobe light afterimage flickering into non-existence and leaving you dazed.
Escape Route
This third experience in the city is one that contains beautiful, retro-suggestive chord changes that are uncomplicated and yet completely evocative, catchy and memorable melodies (my favourite kind), and a funk bass line that is clear, tuneful and up-front, providing the kind of weight and momentum on which a song can be completely pulled along. It all comes together in a manner that shakes any ominous feelings the tourist might have had when they first entered the city.
The overall tone of the track is one of fun and pleasure-pursuit, in which the sightseer is on the move and driving fast along the streets of the city. As the title of the track implies, there's an feeling of escape within the song, but it's not a feeling of fear or danger. Rather, it's a feeling of escaping the mundane, fearlessly embracing the state of cognitive estrangement they've been in the grip of since entering this brave new world, and allowing oneself to enjoy the hyper-sensory newness of the situation while being enthusiastically watchful for trace elements that the tourist thinks they may have come across in another place and time.
We Go Tonight
With a mood of hopeful optimism and celebration of diversity, this track begins at a gentle rhythmic tempo and has the unusual distinction of being both calm and soothing and intensely engaging and full of a simmering energy all at the same time. The cause of this, I suspect, lies in the contrast between the minimalist rhythmic aspects and the multitude of complex synth melodies that comprise each moment of the song. These two dissimilar elements provide a beautifully appealing juxtaposition, with the down-tempo rhythm and the highly kinetic melodies recognizing and appreciating their disparate attributes yet coming together to form something that truly works.
Whether it's that compelling bass line which provides a low-frequency bounce to the slow-rolling rhythm or the dynamic, staccato synths that ride above street-level, there's an energy and playfulness to this track that is rich in flavour, diverse in elements, and hugely enjoyable to experience. Of course, the world's best cities also contain a similar kind of diversity, where elements from many cultures converge to form a complex, unique, lively and respectful celebration of difference that is incredibly creative and undeniably interesting. This metropolis that Phaserland has built is the sonic equivalent of a multicultural city. The result is a warm, engaging and memorable song that showcases how different elements can coexist in a way that's far more creative, interesting and valuable than what monoculture has to offer.
Room for Love
"Room for Love" is the go-to track on this EP as far as seductive, smouldering mood is concerned. Containing some aspects that bring to mind "Night Talk", a track from Phaserland's first LP Night Talk in Paradise, "Room for Love" initially feels like a kind of spiritual successor to it and contains some of the same sex-laced tone, pacing and atmosphere of urban heat as the aforementioned. Instead of intensifying into an up-tempo homage to the carnal energies that bubble to the surface when the sun goes down (as does "Night Talk"), "Room for Love" remains staunchly down-tempo and is a brief, less a sexually forthright and more tenderly persuasive piece. I'd like to note that "Night Talk" was the very first track I ever heard by Phaserland back in the early months of 2014 and I was immediately captivated by its slick sound, funky synth bass, seductive atmosphere, and complex melodies. To hear a track that is closely aligned in theme and tone but carries different nuances and subtleties is an absolute pleasure to my ears.
Blue Green Dreams
The bass very often takes center stage on this EP, and "Blue Green Dreams" is yet another reminder that Phaserland's ability to compose tight, complex, muscular bass lines that blend beautifully with the synth melodies laid upon them is virtually unparalleled within the realm of 80's-inspired synth music. Similar to "Room for Love", this track has an air of lush sensuality to it, but whereas "Room" establishes its down-tempo nature from the get-go and maintains it throughout its duration, the pace of "Blue Green Dreams" quickens and declines like a coastal scene on the edges of the vast city, with the waves crashing and receding and the tide ebbing and flowing as the tourist soaks up the panorama and reflects on the experiences he or she has had over the course of their brief but remarkable stay. With equal parts gentle stillness and kinetic bounce, it's a striking piece and a fitting end to a journey that contained both of these elements in abundance.
Having completed our tour of Resemblance in Machine, we've walked through the streets of a newly built city and we've been exposed to a retro-futuristic aesthetic that could only come from the mind of Phaserland. To declare that his work is distinct and inimitable is not necessarily an understatement, but it doesn't fully encompass the detail, precision, complexities and clarity-of-vision that is ever-present in his work.
Music reviews try to articulate something about what a release is all about and what the listener might expect. It's been said many a time, though, that "writing about music is like dancing about architecture", and that quote, for obvious reasons, hits the mark especially closely in this particular review. When it comes to Phaserland's work, the task of writing about it is exceptionally difficult due to the sheer expansive nature of the release and the complex interconnectedness of each piece housed within it. They are, you may remember me stating at the onset of this review, complete cities unto themselves, and yet no city can possibly be explored thoroughly in a single (or even several) outings. With so many elements contributing to the whole, it takes ample time to even get the faintest understanding of an urban environment, and Phaserland's releases are much the same. This is what makes cities great, and it's also what makes Resemblance in Machine a powerful space to walk within.
Resemblance in Machine comes very, very highly recommended by Synthetix.FM and is available through Phaserland's Bandcamp page here.
Showing posts with label Phaserland. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Phaserland. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
TEK: Volume One
By Rick Shithouse
Trusting your instincts, with any kind of art, is something that always pays off. When I heard of the TEK project many months ago I felt an instant karmic epiphany. The forces of Phaserland, Pengus and Matt Kwid joining and creating music in a classic 80s library vein with their own personal visions weaved throughout was akin to all the planets aligning for a galaxy wide moment of pure clarity.
I often wonder what 80s inspirations drive producers, and what it is they are particularly inspired by, but this trio of producers had been supping from the everlasting cup of 80s Library sounds deeply and the TEK project always felt like it was coming from the right place. The perfect level of homage and innovation, and with the talents/gifts/skills of these combined producers I would expect nothing less.
The Japanese aesthetic that permeates through the album does the perfect job of tying together the three creative minds. It's not just Heather Hermann's rockin cover art that does it though. The classic 80s Library sounds of Japan, laced with jazzy moods the blended the technology of the age with cool moods and uplifting, positive atmospheres.
Pengus opens up Volume One with a cool ride by bullet train 'First Class To Tokyo'. The first thing you will probably drink in is the timing structures that lend themselves far more to jazz than anything usually deemed Synthwave. The energy is bright, bouncy and bursting with radiance. The groove of the bassline snakes between the free fall percussion with synths drawing you into this fantastic new world of high contrast and vividly saturated colours.
The Asiatic motif that accompanies many of the melodies on Volume One is another one of those aspects that sits skilfully and delicately amid the synthscapes. It never feels forced or twee but instead comes across as soulful and deep. The second track, 'Let's Meet Up' adds the Eastern flavours in delicate nuance that resonates from the bright verses, into the soaring leads and beyond. The choices made with the instruments used on this album is another very identifying feature that keeps things in the correct aesthetic so convincingly. Acoustic, live drums and a spatial nature given to the production gives room for the leads to exist in freedom and verve.
The airily light magic of 'Obsessing Much' invites you into cool night breezes on a Tokyo high rise, above the humidity of the city while the melodies dance in staccato frames, holding poses ever so briefly before moving in another direction. The quirky structures are endearing and give interesting, new textures to experience; refreshing combinations of flavours that you'd never think would work together combine into something spectacular.
The grooves of gorgeously engineered FM bass light up the scene for 'Sideways' as Phaserland embraces the warmth and magic of classic Japanese sounds with equal nods to Library and arcade game music of the late 80s. The tones are warm and the details are full of tiny little bright spots of cutely drawn imagery. Directions change regularly during the record, to always keep you entertained and the guitar driven 'Strolling Around' gives a melodic reward that is absolutely entrancing. The vibe is geared to joyful strains of guitars and synths rockin as one as lead after sumptuous lead guides you by the hand into fantastic new worlds.
Easily, the optimism of the music in general is what gives the entire record such a strong presence. The bouncy brilliance of 'Aijou Jazz' rides the crest of a funky bassline and keys that sparkle in smooth waves of clear blue energy. The optimism of the 80s, the thought of being on the verge of great things, that possibilities are endless and dreams can be reality is a massively dominant thematic in much 80s music, especially Library sounds. That feeling of things being new, fresh and being able to change our lives is something TEK really channel in their pieces. In 'Fast Runnin'' the air of sophisticated cool and technology synonymous with fashion meld together in a story that is equally effortless as it is exhilarating.
Making slight departures in the sounds to fill in other parts of the story adds a delightful element of contrast to the album, as Matt Kwid's 'Bon Voyage' illustrates a soulful naivete through the melodies with a tropical, smouldering guitar dancing in beautiful time with bongos and congos. Another fantastic aspect that rocks hard through Volume One is the dual melodies that complement each other in the most intriguing ways. On 'Jackpot' the Synth Romance styled lead melody becomes thrust into an entirely new aesthetic that courses with vibrant energy and punchy percussion. The combination is riveting, and creates a wholly energising mood.
Smooth moods return with 'Seaside Again' and the feeling of cruising the seaside via slow motion shots of Japanese sports cars becomes the transport mode of choice. It's possibly just my own memories, but so much jazz oriented Library music summons visions of Pioneer and Hitachi demo discs that came out with the advent of LaserDisc players. Well into the 90s, this style music was always the most prominent and 'Seaside Again' gives me those visions of crystal clear high end sports cars in tropical settings. Easing the mood to even cooler climes 'High Contrast' comes into view with a definite view to supple night time encounters. The black satin against white skin creating an enticing contrast of colours and sounds as the guitars exude a sensuality of passionate yearning and delicate touch.
'Transport Beauty' brings together guitars and synths again this time with a edge of the new built into the melodies. Fresh and sharp, the music slices with precision and deft touch but not mechanised to a point of sterility, instead it harness and releases with natural and verdant flow. The final piece on the record ties up the experience exceptionally well as 'Shiny Morning' finishes the previous night's adventures and starts afresh with the new day. The lights streams in and the optimistic promise of what awaits us brings a smile to our face. The warmth is real and the music creates it just as much as the sun.
In Volume One all three producers have shared their creativity an collaborated together in a way that is absolutely outstanding. I've been harping on for years now about how collaborative works always bring out the best in producers and TEK have reinforced this theory billion-fold. The album is not only cohesive but individual nuances of all three producers are evident and celebrated throughout the tracks. Put simply, TEK's Volume One gets everything right. From the instruments to the arrangements to the themes and stories explored. It's fresh and enthusiastic and bursting with 80s love and positivity.
Telefuture Records presents TEK's Volume One on their Bandcamp page here in the usual array of digitally downloadable formats and also limited edition CD and cassette. This album has delivered everything it promised; and then some. It's a stand out release in the 80s inspired synth scene in 2015 and is the definition of a Synthetix Reference Experience.
Trusting your instincts, with any kind of art, is something that always pays off. When I heard of the TEK project many months ago I felt an instant karmic epiphany. The forces of Phaserland, Pengus and Matt Kwid joining and creating music in a classic 80s library vein with their own personal visions weaved throughout was akin to all the planets aligning for a galaxy wide moment of pure clarity.
I often wonder what 80s inspirations drive producers, and what it is they are particularly inspired by, but this trio of producers had been supping from the everlasting cup of 80s Library sounds deeply and the TEK project always felt like it was coming from the right place. The perfect level of homage and innovation, and with the talents/gifts/skills of these combined producers I would expect nothing less.
The Japanese aesthetic that permeates through the album does the perfect job of tying together the three creative minds. It's not just Heather Hermann's rockin cover art that does it though. The classic 80s Library sounds of Japan, laced with jazzy moods the blended the technology of the age with cool moods and uplifting, positive atmospheres.
Pengus opens up Volume One with a cool ride by bullet train 'First Class To Tokyo'. The first thing you will probably drink in is the timing structures that lend themselves far more to jazz than anything usually deemed Synthwave. The energy is bright, bouncy and bursting with radiance. The groove of the bassline snakes between the free fall percussion with synths drawing you into this fantastic new world of high contrast and vividly saturated colours.
The Asiatic motif that accompanies many of the melodies on Volume One is another one of those aspects that sits skilfully and delicately amid the synthscapes. It never feels forced or twee but instead comes across as soulful and deep. The second track, 'Let's Meet Up' adds the Eastern flavours in delicate nuance that resonates from the bright verses, into the soaring leads and beyond. The choices made with the instruments used on this album is another very identifying feature that keeps things in the correct aesthetic so convincingly. Acoustic, live drums and a spatial nature given to the production gives room for the leads to exist in freedom and verve.
The airily light magic of 'Obsessing Much' invites you into cool night breezes on a Tokyo high rise, above the humidity of the city while the melodies dance in staccato frames, holding poses ever so briefly before moving in another direction. The quirky structures are endearing and give interesting, new textures to experience; refreshing combinations of flavours that you'd never think would work together combine into something spectacular.
The grooves of gorgeously engineered FM bass light up the scene for 'Sideways' as Phaserland embraces the warmth and magic of classic Japanese sounds with equal nods to Library and arcade game music of the late 80s. The tones are warm and the details are full of tiny little bright spots of cutely drawn imagery. Directions change regularly during the record, to always keep you entertained and the guitar driven 'Strolling Around' gives a melodic reward that is absolutely entrancing. The vibe is geared to joyful strains of guitars and synths rockin as one as lead after sumptuous lead guides you by the hand into fantastic new worlds.
Easily, the optimism of the music in general is what gives the entire record such a strong presence. The bouncy brilliance of 'Aijou Jazz' rides the crest of a funky bassline and keys that sparkle in smooth waves of clear blue energy. The optimism of the 80s, the thought of being on the verge of great things, that possibilities are endless and dreams can be reality is a massively dominant thematic in much 80s music, especially Library sounds. That feeling of things being new, fresh and being able to change our lives is something TEK really channel in their pieces. In 'Fast Runnin'' the air of sophisticated cool and technology synonymous with fashion meld together in a story that is equally effortless as it is exhilarating.
Making slight departures in the sounds to fill in other parts of the story adds a delightful element of contrast to the album, as Matt Kwid's 'Bon Voyage' illustrates a soulful naivete through the melodies with a tropical, smouldering guitar dancing in beautiful time with bongos and congos. Another fantastic aspect that rocks hard through Volume One is the dual melodies that complement each other in the most intriguing ways. On 'Jackpot' the Synth Romance styled lead melody becomes thrust into an entirely new aesthetic that courses with vibrant energy and punchy percussion. The combination is riveting, and creates a wholly energising mood.
Smooth moods return with 'Seaside Again' and the feeling of cruising the seaside via slow motion shots of Japanese sports cars becomes the transport mode of choice. It's possibly just my own memories, but so much jazz oriented Library music summons visions of Pioneer and Hitachi demo discs that came out with the advent of LaserDisc players. Well into the 90s, this style music was always the most prominent and 'Seaside Again' gives me those visions of crystal clear high end sports cars in tropical settings. Easing the mood to even cooler climes 'High Contrast' comes into view with a definite view to supple night time encounters. The black satin against white skin creating an enticing contrast of colours and sounds as the guitars exude a sensuality of passionate yearning and delicate touch.
'Transport Beauty' brings together guitars and synths again this time with a edge of the new built into the melodies. Fresh and sharp, the music slices with precision and deft touch but not mechanised to a point of sterility, instead it harness and releases with natural and verdant flow. The final piece on the record ties up the experience exceptionally well as 'Shiny Morning' finishes the previous night's adventures and starts afresh with the new day. The lights streams in and the optimistic promise of what awaits us brings a smile to our face. The warmth is real and the music creates it just as much as the sun.
In Volume One all three producers have shared their creativity an collaborated together in a way that is absolutely outstanding. I've been harping on for years now about how collaborative works always bring out the best in producers and TEK have reinforced this theory billion-fold. The album is not only cohesive but individual nuances of all three producers are evident and celebrated throughout the tracks. Put simply, TEK's Volume One gets everything right. From the instruments to the arrangements to the themes and stories explored. It's fresh and enthusiastic and bursting with 80s love and positivity.
Telefuture Records presents TEK's Volume One on their Bandcamp page here in the usual array of digitally downloadable formats and also limited edition CD and cassette. This album has delivered everything it promised; and then some. It's a stand out release in the 80s inspired synth scene in 2015 and is the definition of a Synthetix Reference Experience.
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
A Neon-Bathed and Synth-Saturated Valentine's Day
By Michael CA L
With Valentine's Day around the corner, there's a specific category of song within the 80's-influenced spectrum that deserves all the tender loving care and devotion that our eardrums can give. The category falls under several names, but is most often described as Synth Romance or the Synthwave Slow Jam. The many 80's-influenced music genres that exist are diverse in their sonic qualities, broad in their effects on the listener, and are not required to adhere to any structure more rigid than the need to contain some foundational elements that pervade music from that golden era of the synthesizer. A Synth Romance track, however, invariably provides the listener with a song that is slower in pace, sensual and atmospheric in character, and romantic in tone and feel.
With Valentine's Day around the corner, there's a specific category of song within the 80's-influenced spectrum that deserves all the tender loving care and devotion that our eardrums can give. The category falls under several names, but is most often described as Synth Romance or the Synthwave Slow Jam. The many 80's-influenced music genres that exist are diverse in their sonic qualities, broad in their effects on the listener, and are not required to adhere to any structure more rigid than the need to contain some foundational elements that pervade music from that golden era of the synthesizer. A Synth Romance track, however, invariably provides the listener with a song that is slower in pace, sensual and atmospheric in character, and romantic in tone and feel.
Here's a list of
ten of my favourite hand picked, neon-bathed, synth-saturated and passion-infused Synthwave Slow Jams to come out over the last several years. They are by no means in any
particular order, and I have to add that narrowing this list down to just ten
items was one of the more excruciating endeavours of this retro synth-lover's writing
career. But what remains here on this list are some of my absolute favourite experiences. Dim the neon lights, light some candles, gaze lovingly
into the eyes of your special someone, and press play.
 |
Mitch Murder
Glass Cities (2012) [EP]
"Last Call" |
 |
Mr. Maen
Slow Love (2014) [EP]
"Slow Love" |
 |
Le Cassette
Left to Our Own
Devices (2014)
"This is All We Know" |
 |
Timecop1983
Waves (2014)
[EP]
"Tonight" |
 |
Sellorekt/LA
Dreams
Nostalgia (2012) [EP]
"Westbound on the Train" |
 |
The Dust
Collective
Synthia (2014)
"Synthia" |
 |
Duett
Touch (2014) [Single]
"Touch" |
 |
Phaserland
Electric
Atlantic (2014)
"Kissing in Berlin" |
 |
Robert Parker
Modern Moves (2014) [EP]
"Sunset Stroll" |
 |
Mitch Murder
Interceptor (2014)
"Traces to
Nowhere"
|
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
Kasia's Secret Diary
By Kasia
Saturday, 3rd January, 2015
Mowelan - The Last Hour
We are living in a lonely world
Where all these broken promises lie
The world of broken dreams
A lonely road to nowhere
Seems to be the price of you and me
And the time that we once spent together
Price of the memories that live inside of me
I am searching for my own happiness
But everytime I am close
And I think I've finally found it
They are somewhere around
Building an invisible wall
Impossible to tear down...
Are you the one who can help me?
The one who is strong enough?
Maybe it is time to say goodbye to my own memories
The last hour to dry my eyes
And let you at least try
Good luck...
Wednesday, 13th June, 2012
STARFORCE & Perturbator - Retrofutures
Yes
I think I am finally ready for this conversation
I was so afraid to talk to you before
Because It is so hard to talk about something indescribable
Something that I don't understand but still love it
How can we be so close and so far away
How many times in my life I've heard
You don't know what you've got till it's gone...
But the truth is I exactly knew what I had
It's just I thought I'd never lose it
Right now when I am traveling through all these moments together
The only thing I am sure of
is that I am happy to have you around
I hope that things will never change
You will stay the same...
Like your music
I hope they will last forever
No matter what, where and when
Please... just be...
Somewhere there in this magic world full of sounds
In a place where we can always find each other
Thank you for being my FRIEND
Monday, 15th January, 2015
Phaserland (featuring Nikki Dodds) - Straight To You
Why couldn't I show what is inside my heart earlier...
Maybe because you make me feel totally weak
You seem to be the answer for all my questions
Can you tell me what is behind these notes?
A map thanks to which I will find my own destiny?
Just whisper my name and I will be there...
I will find you somewhere
Maybe you are even closer than I think
I can see this magic running through your soul
I wanna steal a piece of time and make it our own
I wanna run...
Straight to you...
No matter where you are...
You got it all
Saturday, 3rd January, 2015
Mowelan - The Last Hour
We are living in a lonely world
Where all these broken promises lie
The world of broken dreams
A lonely road to nowhere
Seems to be the price of you and me
And the time that we once spent together
Price of the memories that live inside of me
I am searching for my own happiness
But everytime I am close
And I think I've finally found it
They are somewhere around
Building an invisible wall
Impossible to tear down...
Are you the one who can help me?
The one who is strong enough?
Maybe it is time to say goodbye to my own memories
The last hour to dry my eyes
And let you at least try
Good luck...
Wednesday, 13th June, 2012
STARFORCE & Perturbator - Retrofutures
Yes
I think I am finally ready for this conversation
I was so afraid to talk to you before
Because It is so hard to talk about something indescribable
Something that I don't understand but still love it
How can we be so close and so far away
How many times in my life I've heard
You don't know what you've got till it's gone...
But the truth is I exactly knew what I had
It's just I thought I'd never lose it
Right now when I am traveling through all these moments together
The only thing I am sure of
is that I am happy to have you around
I hope that things will never change
You will stay the same...
Like your music
I hope they will last forever
No matter what, where and when
Please... just be...
Somewhere there in this magic world full of sounds
In a place where we can always find each other
Thank you for being my FRIEND
Monday, 15th January, 2015
Phaserland (featuring Nikki Dodds) - Straight To You
Why couldn't I show what is inside my heart earlier...
Maybe because you make me feel totally weak
You seem to be the answer for all my questions
Can you tell me what is behind these notes?
A map thanks to which I will find my own destiny?
Just whisper my name and I will be there...
I will find you somewhere
Maybe you are even closer than I think
I can see this magic running through your soul
I wanna steal a piece of time and make it our own
I wanna run...
Straight to you...
No matter where you are...
You got it all
Friday, December 12, 2014
Phaserland's Electric Atlantic
By Michael CA L
I first encountered Phaserland's music when Future City Records released their fourth compilation album in late 2013. After hearing the tightly produced 'China Silver and Gold' - a highlight track on the comp, full of the funk-rock overtones and atmospheric synthesizer undertones that would become a signature Phaserland aesthetic - I was eager to hear more. Two months later, Phaserland (alternately known as Ross Trinkaus) released his first full-length album Night Talk in Paradise on Wave Runner Records, and from that point I knew that the retro synth scene had a new powerhouse producer on its hands.
With the coming of Phaserland's latest album Electric Atlantic, Trinkaus expands the themes and sounds of the first album and carries them beyond anything lovers of the synth could have possibly imagined. The album is a sweet blend of intricately-arranged, synth-centered, 80s-influenced music with a strong emphasis on funk and a deep focus on complex rhythms, arrangements and pop hooks. It blends the pumping, post-disco sounds and vocals of the dance-pop genre with the best that the synth funk genre has to offer.
It digs deep into an 80s-lover's sense of nostalgia and is a true successor to what I consider some of the 80's greatest pop moments, including those found on Scritti Politti's Cupid & Psyche 85, Prince's Purple Rain and Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814. Like the aforementioned, Electric Atlantic makes fantastic use of classic synthesizer technology, but the brilliance of it truly explodes from the speakers as a result of its union with Trinkaus' additional mastery of modern software and hardware. The end result is an album that's unique, inspired and fully-realized like nothing I've heard within any retro-inspired genres. The album is its own species altogether, and it's a beautiful beast to behold.
'Midnight Steps' (Featuring Heidi)
The album starts with 'Midnight Steps', a song featuring Portugal's Heidi Gubbins. Heidi, a vocalist who previously showcased her dance-pop vocal talents on Bixby Snyder's 'Moon & Back' single, will no doubt enjoy some much-deserved exposure due to her fantastic performance on this track. The listener is instantly keyed into the production, which is as gorgeously crisp as the composition is complex.
The vocals and lyrics are, like the best dance-pop, exciting and energetic and also seductive and alluring, with the classic themes of dance floor desire and uninhibited passion pressing against the listener's ear as partners might press against each other under the shimmering lights of a music club. In addition to having powerful hooks and an irresistible pop aesthetic, the song is also beautifully arranged.
Whereas a seasoned aficionado might be able to anticipate the changes in a more traditional dance-pop track as it moves from verse to chorus, with Phaserland you don't know quite what to expect as this song steps lightly from one shifting hook to another. It's a multi-layered and multi-faceted song that encouraged me as an enthusiast of complex pop music to think about the sometimes subtle differences between beauty and elegance.
'Covert Action' (Featuring Sunglasses Kid)
With 'Covert Action', Sunglasses Kid brings his flair for capturing the exuberant, fun-loving side of the 80s, including elements of 80s film soundtracks and the dramatic teen comedy. Perfectly suited to its title, 'Covert Action' has a vibe to it that's at once energetic, light-hearted and fast-paced while at the same time being suggestive of the best 80s espionage, cop or teenage escape-from-detention comedies that we know and love.
It's a song that plays like the tight, energetic score to a slick 80s teen comedy or that of an action blockbuster that composer Harold Faltermeyer might have dreamed up. And like the best action-comedies of that era, the suspense elements are never too heavy in 'Covert Action' to stop it from having an intensely fun and charismatically sleek appeal.
'Electric Atlantic' (Featuring Nikki Dodds)
Warm keyboard chords open the song, followed by thumping 4/4 drums and a huge guitar riff. London-based vocalist Nikki Dodds (a prominent and poignant presence on this album, contributing vocals to three of the tracks without mentioning the 'Hot Stunner' remix that concludes the release) delivers a performance here that has swagger, style and radiates personality.
Her voice, both glass-smooth and at the same time licked by a nightclub smokiness, adds a sense of liveliness and heart to the track and makes the already potent groove all the more vital-sounding and energetic. It's a vibrant dance-pop tune that's bursting with bright melodies and guitar licks, with energetic percussive elements that reinforce it to make it a highlight on the album.
'Sushi on the Monorail'
If you're like me, you know of certain songs that aren't remarkably brief in length but seem to defy the rules of time, finishing quicker than their real-time length would have suggested they would. At just over three minutes in length, 'Sushi on the Monorail' isn't especially brief, but because of its intricate arrangement, enjoyable theme of warmly-accommodated transportation, and its video game-esque qualities, it's the kind of track that injects truth into the cliché expression "getting there is half the fun".
The song maintains the charismatic warmth and vitality of the previous tracks as it escorts the listener via monorail from one side of the city to the other. It's almost like an interlude, taking the listener via monorail from an evening spent at the nightclub dancing and revelling to songs such as the previous three. As the song ends, so does the journey. The doors open and the listener steps out into a night air that's distinctly different than what was felt at the start of the journey. Gone are the bright lights and warmth of the city heart. The rider has now entered a different part of the city, this one containing darkened streets, abandoned factories and an industrialized element to it.
'Beyond the Factory'
From the opening moments of 'Beyond the Factory', the listener knows that the bright, shining lights and warm, electric-neon glow of the entertainment district and the city's warm heart have been left behind. The warm vibes and party-atmosphere behind, with this departure clearly indicated by a reverberating crash of steel against steel that echoes through the empty streets. The quiet trickle of dirty waste water can be heard as it flows from a gutter down into a drain and underneath the city, and there's a haunting, descending voice pad that speaks of unseen danger and mysterious inhabitants in this isolated end of the city. An electric howl can be heard that speaks of anger, pain and isolation. This is a dangerous and haunted place.
There's a glimmer of hope, however, as a complex, authoritative synth lead enters the mix and fights its way through the gloom, reaching for a place that offers sanctuary to the traveller in this weary and broken sector of the metropolis. As the song progresses, a fleet-footed guitar accompaniment co-mingles with the synth and the two make a break for the warmly lit bar sign that hangs a couple of city blocks away. The bar's name? 'Funk This Ship'.
'Funk This Ship'
Welcome to a source of warmth and vibrancy that the listener hasn't felt since stepping out into the night after riding the Electric Atlantic Monorail. 'Funk This Ship' is the sound of a Chicago after-hours bar where the talented mingle with the heartbroken and the result is an emotive and soulful funky vibe that inspires drinks to be poured and sorrows to be drowned in them.
Electric piano and a sharp synth lead duel in this track as it moves towards its conclusion, with an electric guitar entering the conversation as the bar's inhabitants drink in the sound and the feeling of it all towards a state of funk bliss.
'Pool Lights' (Featuring Sebastian Gampl)
An album favourite and one of the first glimpses into Phaserland's monumental new full-length album that listeners got a chance to hear via SoundCloud. There's a reason why Phaserland decided to use this track as a teaser to show his listeners...
Munich-based producer Sebastian Gampl has proven himself to be adept, just like Phaserland, at composing intricate, complex, detailed and oh-so beautifully synth-heavy arrangements, and the amalgamation of these two composers in a collaborative effort results in one of 2014's best, most beautiful and enticing tracks.
It's got powerful grooves that are propelled by tight drums and duelling basses - one tin-sounding and slap-styled, the other a low-pulsing synth bass that rumbles deep in the brain. There are parts to this song that hum and thump and others that ride a laid-back groove that is both elegant and sophisticated. The song is pure pleasure to hear and one of the album's best tracks.
'Space Command' co-written by Starforce
Starforce, the king of synthwave collaborations, brings a signature sound to this track, complete with a propulsive 4/4 beat and a future-brass synth melody that speaks of distant worlds and adventurous undertakings beyond space and time. It's science-fiction to the core, and despite not really aligning itself too closely to the rest of the album, it's a powerful song that's enjoyable as a stand alone.
It's a reminder that this is not exclusively a journey on the Electric Atlantic Monorail towards all its interconnected stops, and it's a joyful celebration of diversity of styles and individuals, bound together by common love of the synthesizer and by profound talent within the increasingly-broad synthwave genre.
'Your Move'
This banger of a song song begins with rock drums and an aggressive, overdriven guitar fade-in that would make Billy Idol jealous. The guitar soon gives way to an arpeggiated synth extravaganza and expands into a song that's a co-mingling of the two elements together. The result is a track that battles 'Covert Action' for supremacy as the best montage sequence you wish you'd heard in your favourite 80s film score back 30 years ago.
It's the sound of a training session before the big fight or of outcast teenagers getting ready to do battle in the streets against a rival gang, with killer moves on display and special moves being polished by the best of the best. Shredding, fearless and imposing guitar is in one corner of the ring and funky, flashy, skilfully coordinated synth is in the other. Both are legendary superstars within the Electric Atlantic arena.
'Hot Stunner' (Featuring Nikki Dodds)
Here we have another dance-pop track that features the exquisite vocal talents of Nikki Dodds. 'Hot Stunner' focuses on the warmth and casual, dressed-down vibes of summertime flings and fun, with lyrics like "We cruise, driving so fast, embracing the sunlight" coaxing the listener to drop the teenage angst routine and start appreciating the here and now a little bit more.
The song is a breezy homage to the carefree moments of life and the simple yet undeniably enjoyable pleasures offered by things like the sensation of sunshine on bare skin or cruising fast on winding, coastal roads.
'Hot Stunner' moves fast and has a bounce to it. It makes a person want to forget about the melodrama that often goes hand-in-hand with the overly-cerebral for just a little while. It encourages you to streamline your focus. To simplify. To zero in on the simple pleasures in life for just a few minutes of earth-bound ecstasy. Nikki Dodds, in that smoky-slick, commanding and shrewd voice of wisdom, believes you deserve it, even if your parents just don't understand you.
'Fourth Dimension' (Featuring Timecop1983)
Beginning with a sound clip from the legendary 1976 science fiction film Logan's Run, 'Fourth Dimension' (which features the prolific master of nostalgia-laced synthwave Timecop1983 himself) is the soundtrack to a trip down memory lane. The aforementioned film is a perfect example of the retro-futurism that is created when a film about a far-away future becomes weathered and dated. Instead of looking, as it was perhaps originally intended to, like an awesome glimpse into our world of the distant tomorrow, it becomes a wonderfully archaic glimpse at alternate history or timeline, where the futuristic looks vintage.
Logan's Run, as with many other media and cultural artefacts from times gone by, features a future that looks like yesterday. Or perhaps, like so many fashion trends and techno-fads, everything comes full circle and the classic becomes cutting edge once again, regaining a value that wasn't seen or appreciated the first time around. Retro culture, synthwave and 80's inspired music in general are a powerful example of this. Our love of the 80's era coaxes us to look at it from a fresh perspective and hold it in our hands again, except we brush it off, clean it up, reshape and retouch what we want, and maintain the vital core of it while building on it and turning it into something that's luminously fresh.
We're building upon a foundation that wasn't nearly done being mined, explored or understood the first time around, and Timecop1983 and Phaserland are both masters of taking subtle bits from times gone by and giving them the attention and care that is much deserved. 'Fourth Dimension' is a prime example of this process.
'Kissing in Berlin'
'Kissing in Berlin' is the first of Electric Atlantic's two legitimate slow jams (the other being 'Soft Scene'), and initiates the gentle come-down phase that ends with that track to close the album proper.
It's a beautiful track that has a certain swagger-like quality. Docile as the track might be, however, nobody's falling under the spell of sleep here. It's a potent and commanding song, with a bass line that has a synthetic thump to it and acts as a dynamic lead melody for much of the tune. This rhythmic centre is accompanied by airy synth pads that drift in and out of the song's main focus, and that thumping bassline as well as some hard-hitting snare drums keep the song edgy enough so that there's no mistaking the song for a lullaby.
The energies that this song harbours are radiating through the gaps that each sweeping and lush pad smear against the listener's ears. The song got an edge to it that's just sharp enough to hook itself into the velvet layers that brush against it. It's a deceptively powerful track and certain to be a highlight for any listeners that appreciate the power that can sometimes resonate from that which may initially seem innocuous.
'Straight to You' (Featuring Nikki Dodds)
Nikki Dodds is back here with a mid-tempo jam that's full of the good stuff that 80s pop music was made of. It's a straightforward tune with a traditional verse/chorus interplay that's accessible and feel-good.
The song is saturated in warm synths and chime-filled percussion that put a glow to the tune, and the lyrics are steeped in retro-romance, brimming with the kind of lover-speak that is so pleasingly reminiscent of the best that 80s romantic pop had to offer. It's a charming track and further lulls the listener towards the album's gentle conclusion.
'Soft Scene'
A companion piece to 'Kissing in Berlin'; 'Soft Scene' closes out the the album with another great slow jam. It's a gorgeous, lush-sounding track that exploits my love of the romantic and downtempo synth song. Whereas 'Kissing in Berlin' has a certain commanding presence due to the reverb-laden snare hits and rhythmic, marching bassline, 'Soft Scene' is more submissive and instead drifts like a timid-yet-graceful couple as they take tentative steps together on a softly-lit dance floor.
As if a pair of dancers opt to exit the beachside nightclub in favour of a walk along the sandy shoreline, the gentle sound of waves lapping that can be heard throughout the track takes over as the music ends. It's a beautifully fitting end to things. What started as a frenetic metropolitan experience full of diverse sounds and complex expressions ends with a streamlining of focus, with the music becoming less immediate and more reflective as the assorted personalities the listener's been introduced to throughout their trip on the Electric Atlantic pack up their things and head off in separate directions towards their individual destinations.
With 'Soft Scene' we're left now with a more streamlined and exclusive focus. The crowd has departed and it's now a one-on-one thing, with eyes moving from lover to the ocean-blanketed horizon where the sun will rise on tomorrow's new day.
'Hot Stunner' (Farfletched Remix)"
And as if to prove that two lovers on a beach are not, contrary to what they might believe while they're caught in that passionate moment, the only people on earth, Phaserland cheekily interrupts their romantic moment with one last funky treat. This final bit of exultation goes by a name we've heard before: 'Hot Stunner', but this time the track is remixed by Dundee, Scotland's Farfletched, who has made a name for himself remixing the works of artists such as Vincenzo Salvia and Futurecop!.
His interpretation of 'Hot Stunner' retains the bounce and energy of the original while adding a disco bassline that's got punch and power. It has octave jumps that cannot be shaken from the brain once heard, and the song is a friendly and welcome reminder that there's always someone awake and partying their ass off in the world of Phaserland's Electric Atlantic.
Waverunner Records presents Phaserland's Electric Atlantic album for purchase in digital formats on their Bandcamp page here. If tomorrow's new day brings another Phaserland release, all the better for fans of 80s-inspired music that is boldly progressive, experimental and innovative. Both his first full-length release Night Talk in Paradise and his new masterpiece Electric Atlantic prove that producer Ross Trinkaus has an incredible talent that is exciting to experience and unafraid to push musical boundaries.
The entire release radiates a clear passion for synthesizer music through a variety of genres and does so with a dexterity, expressiveness, and purposeful forward-movement towards new ground. Electric Atlantic is a beautiful and powerful release, and it is my distinct pleasure to praise this release as a Synthetix Reference Experience.
Saturday, April 5, 2014
Synthetix Weekend Update
I'm back with another big Weekend Update to make your 80s neon glow that little bit brighter.
The first order of business on the agenda is the fantastic new compilation release from Retro Promenade, AKA Who Ha and his marvellous new multimedia edition of Class Action Volume 2. This not only has a spectacular range of the scene's most rockin producers but also the second issue of the Retro Promenade magazine. The magazine itself is full of kick arse interviews and reviews as well as panel discussion on 'The State of Synthwave' in which I was lucky enough to partake in. This comes as a FREE .pdf when you pick up the compilation or can be purchased as a physical edition too.
Your entertainment value with this package (that also has the compilation available on cassette!) is astronomical, so get on it and rock it hard. Many kudos to Mike Who Ha for making this project happen. You can pick up a copy of the compilation/magazine/artwork/cassette in all manner of combinations via Retro Promenade's Bandcamp page here.
Let's put our seats into the take off position, buckle the seat belts tight and prepare to hurtle into the wide blue yonder with this week's Airborne releases!
Kalax - Outlands - Kalax's second EP finds the producer expanding on the soundscape created in his first EP, Journey, and constructing a wonderfully involving conceptual soundtrack theme. Outlands is a cautionary tale set in a dark future consisting of fast action-oriented cuts and also mellower pieces that allow for Kalax's melody's to soar beautifully. The structures are built solidly and make for expansive synthscapes and deliver a cohesive narrative, complete with vocals on two of the tracks performed by Dana Jean Phoenix and electrifying duet with Blokkmonsta that transcends genres, languages and decades.
Waveshaper - Sounds That Kill - Another concept EP, this time from Waveshaper and his super rockin new creation Sounds That Kill. In all honesty, one of the lines from the EP's description sums this up perfectly: "This is a story of a man whose only weapons are his synthesizers and a woman who fights by his side". The tracks are all beautifully written and create massive amounts of atmosphere and even contains a superb collaborative piece with Robert Parker. Waveshaper just keeps on continuing to impress and this EP sure does exactly that.
LA Dreams - Light Speed - LA Dreams keeps on rockin like the 80s synth juggernaut we know and love in his new album Light Speed. Easily one of his most accomplished records yet, there is a marked improvement in his arrangements and his breadth of instrumentations. Each track is absolutely glowing with pure 80s love and is a genuine delight to experience. This will be LA Dreams last album for a while as he stated he is spending some time working on collaborations in the near future. I'm hugely looking forward to what this will entail, and will be sure to share these works on Synthetix.FM when they happen.
A different kind of smooth next with the massively atmospheric soundtrack piece 'Border Control' by DATAstream. The depth of narrative in this track is absolutely immense and really creates a totally immersive synthscape. Many thanks to respected synthficionado Alexandre Lemoing for enlightening me to this producer.
Flash Arnold's riding atmospheric waves of soundtrack synth beauty too of late and with his hot new rocker 'Deserted Streets'. The build is huge and packed with excitement as synths from the bowels of the earth open up with caustic vigour and unquestionable power. This is currently available for FREE via the download button in the player.
An new EP is coming soon from Killstarr and 'Summer Drive' has been released as the promotional track for it. This sweetly orchestrated experience of soft pink Synth Romance is beautifully gentle with emotive progressions and sumptuous melodies. 'Summer Drive' is available for FREE download via the player too.
Short but sweet, any hot new track from Miami Nights 1984 is going to get your pulse racing and your appetite hungering for more. This snippet was shared recently and is rife with MN84 magic. I'm assuming I'm hoping 'Reflex Training' marks the start of a journey to a new album from this veteran of the scene.
Keeping things 'definitely Miami' is the hot new track from Miami Beach Force: 'Robotic Assassin'. The combination of rockin Italo vibe synth melodies and crushing guitar riffs makes for a very interesting combination of sounds that is rather captivating and almost hypnotic in its power.
Python Blue certainly knows how to rock with his new track 'Welcome To The Club'. Marching drums lead into rifftastic guitars and synths add the final layer of melodic brilliance. Though usually working on the more atmospheric side of soundtrack synth this track is full of raucous energy and beautiful 80s colours. Currently available for FREE download via the link in the player.
I simply can't stress enough how much I love guitars in 80s inspired synth music and with Sayak Striker's new track 'Hot Run' we get even more love for rockin guitars and synths duelling in a rhythmic ballet of high emotional excitement. Totally k-rad to the max.
One of the best names I've come across in the scene in recent times has to be Repomancer and his hot new soundtrack themed piece Midnight Special certainly makes you sit up and pay attention. The opening builds to an epic synth lead that is then taken in very cool new directions throughout the composition's chapters.
Riddlis shared two tracks over the last couple of weeks I really enjoyed but 'Clouds' is definitely something special. The melodies in this remind me of classic early 80s synth experiences. The intentional distortion in the piece does take me, personally, out the experience a tad but the strength of the lead melody carries the magic on beautifully. You can also pick this up currently for FREE via the download button in the player. Also check out Riddlis' rockin 'Children' track which came out recently too here, and is also up for FREE download.
One of my favourite tracks of the last week is definitely Kid Quasar's 'Disco Radio Action'. The energy is absolutely kick arse and I love his modern take on the Electro Breakin' styles with some very imaginative arrangements and superb sample work. Get on this ASAP as it's currently available for FREE download.
The new track from Batch Sound is another gem I just can't get enough of this week. 'The Cheesy Alternative' is another grand jam packed with hot synths and on point 80s percussive details. This is available as a single release on Bandcamp here with an edited version and also a piece they did for Beyond Synth. Totally rockin.
Dialling things back to a more contemplative ambience is the delightful new track from Pulse 80 entitled 'V I C E'. The atmosphere on this gets bigger and bigger as huge synth leads rise and fall with machine gun hip hop percussion igniting the combustible elements into a searing synth fireball. Currently available for FREE download also.
Trevor Something's moody and suave synth pop experiences keep evolving and achieving glorious new heights with each track. In 'SEGA Genesis' the airy synth melodies and haunting vocals are moulded into alluring new shapes and forms, using one of gaming's greatest consoles as the inspiration.
Pure Secks have been on my radar for a couple of months now and their odd mix of sounds and styles is something I've found very engaging. In 'Science Friction' the Pure Secks sound becomes are tad more crystallised as the sample laden synthscape gets tied together in a totally rockin piece of classic 80s eclecticism. Available currently for FREE download via the player also.
The final piece I'd like to share with you for this week's Weekend Update is something I found both totally rockin and very special. My love affair with Sternrekorder's wonderful music has been well documented on Synthetix.FM over the last couple of years but I have no real idea about him as a composer or producer outside of experiencing his music directly. Although I knew Sternrekorder has been a part of the scene since the early days in the late 2000's I had no idea how far back his music went. I've now found out a little bit more about his history courtesy a new track this week that is an unreleased track from 2002. This piece veritably comes alive with delightful 80s colours and it brings me much joy to discover Sternrekorder's definitely one of the modern synth artists that will be around for the duration.
That does it for another Weekend Update on Synthetix.FM. I'll be back during the week with more hot rockin tunes from the 80s inspired synth scene. 'Til then stay 80s and keep on rockin.
The first order of business on the agenda is the fantastic new compilation release from Retro Promenade, AKA Who Ha and his marvellous new multimedia edition of Class Action Volume 2. This not only has a spectacular range of the scene's most rockin producers but also the second issue of the Retro Promenade magazine. The magazine itself is full of kick arse interviews and reviews as well as panel discussion on 'The State of Synthwave' in which I was lucky enough to partake in. This comes as a FREE .pdf when you pick up the compilation or can be purchased as a physical edition too.
Your entertainment value with this package (that also has the compilation available on cassette!) is astronomical, so get on it and rock it hard. Many kudos to Mike Who Ha for making this project happen. You can pick up a copy of the compilation/magazine/artwork/cassette in all manner of combinations via Retro Promenade's Bandcamp page here.
Let's put our seats into the take off position, buckle the seat belts tight and prepare to hurtle into the wide blue yonder with this week's Airborne releases!
Kalax - Outlands - Kalax's second EP finds the producer expanding on the soundscape created in his first EP, Journey, and constructing a wonderfully involving conceptual soundtrack theme. Outlands is a cautionary tale set in a dark future consisting of fast action-oriented cuts and also mellower pieces that allow for Kalax's melody's to soar beautifully. The structures are built solidly and make for expansive synthscapes and deliver a cohesive narrative, complete with vocals on two of the tracks performed by Dana Jean Phoenix and electrifying duet with Blokkmonsta that transcends genres, languages and decades.Waveshaper - Sounds That Kill - Another concept EP, this time from Waveshaper and his super rockin new creation Sounds That Kill. In all honesty, one of the lines from the EP's description sums this up perfectly: "This is a story of a man whose only weapons are his synthesizers and a woman who fights by his side". The tracks are all beautifully written and create massive amounts of atmosphere and even contains a superb collaborative piece with Robert Parker. Waveshaper just keeps on continuing to impress and this EP sure does exactly that.LA Dreams - Light Speed - LA Dreams keeps on rockin like the 80s synth juggernaut we know and love in his new album Light Speed. Easily one of his most accomplished records yet, there is a marked improvement in his arrangements and his breadth of instrumentations. Each track is absolutely glowing with pure 80s love and is a genuine delight to experience. This will be LA Dreams last album for a while as he stated he is spending some time working on collaborations in the near future. I'm hugely looking forward to what this will entail, and will be sure to share these works on Synthetix.FM when they happen.
---------------------------------------------------
Phaserland's rockin some smoothly cool synth pop sounds with Nikki on his great new song 'Hot Stunner'. This is one of the great tracks on the new compilation from Wave Runner Records called Running All Night. This features a tonne of Synthetix.FM favourites and some rockin new pieces like this great track. You can pick up your copy of 'Hot Stunner' with a plethora of other synthwave gems on the Running All Night compilation available on Bandcamp here fore FREE.
A different kind of smooth next with the massively atmospheric soundtrack piece 'Border Control' by DATAstream. The depth of narrative in this track is absolutely immense and really creates a totally immersive synthscape. Many thanks to respected synthficionado Alexandre Lemoing for enlightening me to this producer.
Flash Arnold's riding atmospheric waves of soundtrack synth beauty too of late and with his hot new rocker 'Deserted Streets'. The build is huge and packed with excitement as synths from the bowels of the earth open up with caustic vigour and unquestionable power. This is currently available for FREE via the download button in the player.
An new EP is coming soon from Killstarr and 'Summer Drive' has been released as the promotional track for it. This sweetly orchestrated experience of soft pink Synth Romance is beautifully gentle with emotive progressions and sumptuous melodies. 'Summer Drive' is available for FREE download via the player too.
Short but sweet, any hot new track from Miami Nights 1984 is going to get your pulse racing and your appetite hungering for more. This snippet was shared recently and is rife with MN84 magic. I'm assuming I'm hoping 'Reflex Training' marks the start of a journey to a new album from this veteran of the scene.
Keeping things 'definitely Miami' is the hot new track from Miami Beach Force: 'Robotic Assassin'. The combination of rockin Italo vibe synth melodies and crushing guitar riffs makes for a very interesting combination of sounds that is rather captivating and almost hypnotic in its power.
Python Blue certainly knows how to rock with his new track 'Welcome To The Club'. Marching drums lead into rifftastic guitars and synths add the final layer of melodic brilliance. Though usually working on the more atmospheric side of soundtrack synth this track is full of raucous energy and beautiful 80s colours. Currently available for FREE download via the link in the player.
I simply can't stress enough how much I love guitars in 80s inspired synth music and with Sayak Striker's new track 'Hot Run' we get even more love for rockin guitars and synths duelling in a rhythmic ballet of high emotional excitement. Totally k-rad to the max.
One of the best names I've come across in the scene in recent times has to be Repomancer and his hot new soundtrack themed piece Midnight Special certainly makes you sit up and pay attention. The opening builds to an epic synth lead that is then taken in very cool new directions throughout the composition's chapters.
Riddlis shared two tracks over the last couple of weeks I really enjoyed but 'Clouds' is definitely something special. The melodies in this remind me of classic early 80s synth experiences. The intentional distortion in the piece does take me, personally, out the experience a tad but the strength of the lead melody carries the magic on beautifully. You can also pick this up currently for FREE via the download button in the player. Also check out Riddlis' rockin 'Children' track which came out recently too here, and is also up for FREE download.
One of my favourite tracks of the last week is definitely Kid Quasar's 'Disco Radio Action'. The energy is absolutely kick arse and I love his modern take on the Electro Breakin' styles with some very imaginative arrangements and superb sample work. Get on this ASAP as it's currently available for FREE download.
The new track from Batch Sound is another gem I just can't get enough of this week. 'The Cheesy Alternative' is another grand jam packed with hot synths and on point 80s percussive details. This is available as a single release on Bandcamp here with an edited version and also a piece they did for Beyond Synth. Totally rockin.
Dialling things back to a more contemplative ambience is the delightful new track from Pulse 80 entitled 'V I C E'. The atmosphere on this gets bigger and bigger as huge synth leads rise and fall with machine gun hip hop percussion igniting the combustible elements into a searing synth fireball. Currently available for FREE download also.
Trevor Something's moody and suave synth pop experiences keep evolving and achieving glorious new heights with each track. In 'SEGA Genesis' the airy synth melodies and haunting vocals are moulded into alluring new shapes and forms, using one of gaming's greatest consoles as the inspiration.
Pure Secks have been on my radar for a couple of months now and their odd mix of sounds and styles is something I've found very engaging. In 'Science Friction' the Pure Secks sound becomes are tad more crystallised as the sample laden synthscape gets tied together in a totally rockin piece of classic 80s eclecticism. Available currently for FREE download via the player also.
The final piece I'd like to share with you for this week's Weekend Update is something I found both totally rockin and very special. My love affair with Sternrekorder's wonderful music has been well documented on Synthetix.FM over the last couple of years but I have no real idea about him as a composer or producer outside of experiencing his music directly. Although I knew Sternrekorder has been a part of the scene since the early days in the late 2000's I had no idea how far back his music went. I've now found out a little bit more about his history courtesy a new track this week that is an unreleased track from 2002. This piece veritably comes alive with delightful 80s colours and it brings me much joy to discover Sternrekorder's definitely one of the modern synth artists that will be around for the duration.
That does it for another Weekend Update on Synthetix.FM. I'll be back during the week with more hot rockin tunes from the 80s inspired synth scene. 'Til then stay 80s and keep on rockin.
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Synthetix Weekend Update
Welcome to another rockin Weekend Update on Synthetix.FM. Firstly I'd like to apologise for the lack of updates during the week. I managed to develop an inner ear issue last week that made attentively listening to music incredibly frustrating to the point of distraction. It's nearly all cleared up now, thankfully, but for the last week I've had to rely on the Synthetix.FM Plug.DJ room to provide some background music to keep my sanity from disappearing entirely.
One other thing I'd like to get out in the open is that MPM/Multipac has officially disappeared again, possibly for good this time. The news of this started getting around in late January when his presence started disappearing from the internet. I normally wouldn't make a point of writing about this kind of thing on Synthetix.FM as I don't want to be one to start rumor mongering or sensationalising things but this is not the first time MPM has done this, but it might be the last. For many of us, MPM's music has been some of the most wondrous 80s homages ever made but he was always his own hardest critic and never seemed satisfied with anything he made.
Whatever the case, I wish MPM much happiness and fulfilment in his future endeavours, wherever and whatever they may be. The 80s inspired synth scene is richer and more beautiful thanks to his music and that legacy is something we can all respect. Keep on rockin, MPM.
Let's look to the skies now and get ready for take off with this week's AIRBORNE releases!
AIRBORNE This Week
Cluster Buster - They Call Her One Eye - Cluster Buster knows how to rock the 80s with a hard edge of pulsating synth energies and his latest record focuses that energy and refines the Cluster Buster experience even further. Using the classic exploitation flick as direct inspiration the synthscapes are drawn from a rockin videogame-esque palette that makes the action blazingly intense. I can help but think of numerous bullet hell shooters and high speed futuristic racing games when listening to this record, which is no bad thing at all!
Jupiter 8 - Vice Squad - Jupiter 8 has been on the Synthetix.FM radar for a month or so and he's been releasing a number of EP's that have caught my interest but with his new Vice Squad (and don't forget Vice Squad Part II) he's taken his sounds to another level. The arrangements are vibrant and full of 80s colours and his melodies have taken on a lustre of neon 80s wonder too. These two soundtrack oriented releases are right on point for a night time stake out in sultry midsummer Miami.
AloneWolf - The Way Of The Wolf - AloneWolf has returned to the scene with a new sound and a new five track EP to mark his territory. The pieces on this record have a much more introspective nature to them as atmospheric synthscapes illustrate contemplative ideas; with a tendency towards the vast unknowns. Definitely a new phase for the AloneWolf experience and one that is very worthy of your attention.
Babylon 86 - Only At Night - That latest EP from Babylon 86 entitled Only At Night boasts five tracks of 80s themed retro sounds. Cut from a similar cloth to early Futurecop! sounds there is distinct modern aspect to the tone of many of the pieces that are then lit by glorious 80s aural neon. The stand out track for me is definitely 'Vision' with Josie Malone providing a superb vocal performance.
No better place to start the Weekend Update than with rockin new track from Phaserland: 'Jack Burton's Way'. Big Trouble In Little China will always provide much inspiration for modern day producers and Phaserland has created a stellar homage to this classic exponent of 80s auteur cinema, complete with powerful piano passages and kick arse guitars rockin the scene in equal measure. This track is available on Phaserland's Bandcamp page here at a name-your-own-price point.
Waveshaper's new track is certainly knows how to build some serious intensity. 'Mission Failed' contain an ominous atmosphere that evolves into a fiery spectacular. The melodies are slow and elegant but are betrayed by the underlying panic just waiting to explode beneath the surface.
And speaking of synths on the verge of combustion we have a totally kick arse new high energy track from KFDDA up next. 'Chrome Beach' speeds along with a devil may care attitude that ignites in full OutRun glory. The lead melody is as catchy as it is streamlined for maximum performance.
What Compilerbau describes as an 'production test' I view as a work of wondrous beauty. With his new track 'Fabienne' we're treated to some exciting new sounds, particularly in the bass work that really ties the experience together in a luxuriously 80s manner. Totally rockin and currently available for FREE download.
Street Justice is taking off to battle the robotic hordes with his latest piece 'Mechwarrior'. Synths sparkle and dazzle with melodies climbing and diving with fantastic dexterity and the percussion track provides dangerous flurries of lead and lasers amidst the chaotic battlefield.
Robert Parker's synthscapes seem to have a refinement all their own as his melodic structures contain such delicate nuances while remaining so true to 80s emotions. In 'Jet Set' we take off to high adventure in a spectacularly drawn out piece that is paced to perfection. Four minutes in heaven right here.
Taking the trip from heaven to hell is Dan Terminus's hot new slab of Slash Electro violence 'Restless Destroyer'. Intensifying melodies burn hot and without mercy while powerhouse percussion marches into oblivion. Dan Terminus keep just enough 80s moods in this piece to keep it from exploding entirely and there's even a decidedly 70s progressive influenced passage slotted in to add even more radness to the experience.
Mild Peril's rockin some fantastic inspirations on new three track EP 'Excalibur'. The space motif brings in cosmic synths of celestial powers that combine with more earthly tones. The three tracks in the EP (available on Bandcamp here at a name-your-own-price point) are full of great ideas that travers vast amounts of time and space with 80s and 70s elements given extra dimensional powers from beings beyond our comprehension.
This week finds John Sparxx getting all romantic with his new glossy love theme aptly titled 'Love'. Slow and sensuous melodies intimate deep affection and rise and fall with deep breaths of passion. It's pure Synth Romance with a bright enthusiastic presence. You can pick up a copy of this track on John Sparxx Bandcamp page here at a name-your-own-price point.
Expanding even more on this theme is Timecop1983 with his beautiful new track 'Looking Back'. Swirling, passionate synths caress while the heart beat of the drums resonates deeply within. Timecop1983 really is one of the true artists in this genre of 80s inspired synth, he allows every nuance to be divulged and understood and makes music that is truly magical. This gorgeous track is available for FREE download currently too.
It's been said of late that vaporwave is dead, in a truly post-modernist manner some would say it died the day it had a name. All such theories aside, vaporwave continues to keep on rockin and has begun taking on new evolutionary forms. The new track from HOME- gives some vivid new colours to the vaporwave aesthetic which I find very engaging. If this kind of music piques your interest, perhaps a tranquility calibration is in order?
More stunning aural beauty from Manolis next up! For those out there wondering why Manolis hasn't been picked up by a label yet it's because he wants to remain independent and release his music for free for all to enjoy. This producer wins my hear for not only his incredibly moving music but also for his public spirited nature. 'Vintage Erotica' find Manolis moving into some salacious Synth Erotica zones and totally rockin it all the way. As with all Manolis's work, this available for FREE download.
Destroyah is channelling all manner of dark arts in his new track 'Dead Wrong'. A glacial juggernaut of melodies drifts into view amid some kick arse voice 'samples' of his own glorious creation. The soundtrack to the trailer to the movie of a nightmare yet to be experienced! You can pick this up for FREE download currently too.
A new one for Kille & Citizen next titled '((1985))'. The nostalgia is turned up to maximum in this track which brings to mind many great experiences from the 2009/10 era of 80s inspired synth sounds. The modern elements are just rockin enough to keep the energy levels high but it's the dreamy 80s lead melodies that make all the magic happen.
The Pure Secks experience draws in many interesting and divergent themes (as it should!) and in Sins Of The Past we get to rock some of the most vital of these with much fervour and reward. Melodies pool and mix like colourful liquids and then charge up with incandescent glowing colours of both 80s and modern sounds. Beyond all definitions, this track just plain kick arse and is also available for FREE download currently.
Chrome Brulee's Kiss The Huss Volume 2 is almost upon us and they've released another amazing promo video to hype it up even further. Totally rockin to the max, these guys are the masters of making video teasers that hit all the right 80s notes. Head on over too chromebrulee.com and join the countdown to the launch of this most rad of releases.
One other thing I'd like to get out in the open is that MPM/Multipac has officially disappeared again, possibly for good this time. The news of this started getting around in late January when his presence started disappearing from the internet. I normally wouldn't make a point of writing about this kind of thing on Synthetix.FM as I don't want to be one to start rumor mongering or sensationalising things but this is not the first time MPM has done this, but it might be the last. For many of us, MPM's music has been some of the most wondrous 80s homages ever made but he was always his own hardest critic and never seemed satisfied with anything he made.
Whatever the case, I wish MPM much happiness and fulfilment in his future endeavours, wherever and whatever they may be. The 80s inspired synth scene is richer and more beautiful thanks to his music and that legacy is something we can all respect. Keep on rockin, MPM.
Let's look to the skies now and get ready for take off with this week's AIRBORNE releases!
AIRBORNE This Week
Cluster Buster - They Call Her One Eye - Cluster Buster knows how to rock the 80s with a hard edge of pulsating synth energies and his latest record focuses that energy and refines the Cluster Buster experience even further. Using the classic exploitation flick as direct inspiration the synthscapes are drawn from a rockin videogame-esque palette that makes the action blazingly intense. I can help but think of numerous bullet hell shooters and high speed futuristic racing games when listening to this record, which is no bad thing at all!Jupiter 8 - Vice Squad - Jupiter 8 has been on the Synthetix.FM radar for a month or so and he's been releasing a number of EP's that have caught my interest but with his new Vice Squad (and don't forget Vice Squad Part II) he's taken his sounds to another level. The arrangements are vibrant and full of 80s colours and his melodies have taken on a lustre of neon 80s wonder too. These two soundtrack oriented releases are right on point for a night time stake out in sultry midsummer Miami.AloneWolf - The Way Of The Wolf - AloneWolf has returned to the scene with a new sound and a new five track EP to mark his territory. The pieces on this record have a much more introspective nature to them as atmospheric synthscapes illustrate contemplative ideas; with a tendency towards the vast unknowns. Definitely a new phase for the AloneWolf experience and one that is very worthy of your attention.Babylon 86 - Only At Night - That latest EP from Babylon 86 entitled Only At Night boasts five tracks of 80s themed retro sounds. Cut from a similar cloth to early Futurecop! sounds there is distinct modern aspect to the tone of many of the pieces that are then lit by glorious 80s aural neon. The stand out track for me is definitely 'Vision' with Josie Malone providing a superb vocal performance.
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No better place to start the Weekend Update than with rockin new track from Phaserland: 'Jack Burton's Way'. Big Trouble In Little China will always provide much inspiration for modern day producers and Phaserland has created a stellar homage to this classic exponent of 80s auteur cinema, complete with powerful piano passages and kick arse guitars rockin the scene in equal measure. This track is available on Phaserland's Bandcamp page here at a name-your-own-price point.
Waveshaper's new track is certainly knows how to build some serious intensity. 'Mission Failed' contain an ominous atmosphere that evolves into a fiery spectacular. The melodies are slow and elegant but are betrayed by the underlying panic just waiting to explode beneath the surface.
And speaking of synths on the verge of combustion we have a totally kick arse new high energy track from KFDDA up next. 'Chrome Beach' speeds along with a devil may care attitude that ignites in full OutRun glory. The lead melody is as catchy as it is streamlined for maximum performance.
What Compilerbau describes as an 'production test' I view as a work of wondrous beauty. With his new track 'Fabienne' we're treated to some exciting new sounds, particularly in the bass work that really ties the experience together in a luxuriously 80s manner. Totally rockin and currently available for FREE download.
Street Justice is taking off to battle the robotic hordes with his latest piece 'Mechwarrior'. Synths sparkle and dazzle with melodies climbing and diving with fantastic dexterity and the percussion track provides dangerous flurries of lead and lasers amidst the chaotic battlefield.
Robert Parker's synthscapes seem to have a refinement all their own as his melodic structures contain such delicate nuances while remaining so true to 80s emotions. In 'Jet Set' we take off to high adventure in a spectacularly drawn out piece that is paced to perfection. Four minutes in heaven right here.
Taking the trip from heaven to hell is Dan Terminus's hot new slab of Slash Electro violence 'Restless Destroyer'. Intensifying melodies burn hot and without mercy while powerhouse percussion marches into oblivion. Dan Terminus keep just enough 80s moods in this piece to keep it from exploding entirely and there's even a decidedly 70s progressive influenced passage slotted in to add even more radness to the experience.
Mild Peril's rockin some fantastic inspirations on new three track EP 'Excalibur'. The space motif brings in cosmic synths of celestial powers that combine with more earthly tones. The three tracks in the EP (available on Bandcamp here at a name-your-own-price point) are full of great ideas that travers vast amounts of time and space with 80s and 70s elements given extra dimensional powers from beings beyond our comprehension.
This week finds John Sparxx getting all romantic with his new glossy love theme aptly titled 'Love'. Slow and sensuous melodies intimate deep affection and rise and fall with deep breaths of passion. It's pure Synth Romance with a bright enthusiastic presence. You can pick up a copy of this track on John Sparxx Bandcamp page here at a name-your-own-price point.
Expanding even more on this theme is Timecop1983 with his beautiful new track 'Looking Back'. Swirling, passionate synths caress while the heart beat of the drums resonates deeply within. Timecop1983 really is one of the true artists in this genre of 80s inspired synth, he allows every nuance to be divulged and understood and makes music that is truly magical. This gorgeous track is available for FREE download currently too.
It's been said of late that vaporwave is dead, in a truly post-modernist manner some would say it died the day it had a name. All such theories aside, vaporwave continues to keep on rockin and has begun taking on new evolutionary forms. The new track from HOME- gives some vivid new colours to the vaporwave aesthetic which I find very engaging. If this kind of music piques your interest, perhaps a tranquility calibration is in order?
More stunning aural beauty from Manolis next up! For those out there wondering why Manolis hasn't been picked up by a label yet it's because he wants to remain independent and release his music for free for all to enjoy. This producer wins my hear for not only his incredibly moving music but also for his public spirited nature. 'Vintage Erotica' find Manolis moving into some salacious Synth Erotica zones and totally rockin it all the way. As with all Manolis's work, this available for FREE download.
Destroyah is channelling all manner of dark arts in his new track 'Dead Wrong'. A glacial juggernaut of melodies drifts into view amid some kick arse voice 'samples' of his own glorious creation. The soundtrack to the trailer to the movie of a nightmare yet to be experienced! You can pick this up for FREE download currently too.
A new one for Kille & Citizen next titled '((1985))'. The nostalgia is turned up to maximum in this track which brings to mind many great experiences from the 2009/10 era of 80s inspired synth sounds. The modern elements are just rockin enough to keep the energy levels high but it's the dreamy 80s lead melodies that make all the magic happen.
The Pure Secks experience draws in many interesting and divergent themes (as it should!) and in Sins Of The Past we get to rock some of the most vital of these with much fervour and reward. Melodies pool and mix like colourful liquids and then charge up with incandescent glowing colours of both 80s and modern sounds. Beyond all definitions, this track just plain kick arse and is also available for FREE download currently.
Chrome Brulee's Kiss The Huss Volume 2 is almost upon us and they've released another amazing promo video to hype it up even further. Totally rockin to the max, these guys are the masters of making video teasers that hit all the right 80s notes. Head on over too chromebrulee.com and join the countdown to the launch of this most rad of releases.
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.
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