Synthetix Weekend Update

Welcome back to your regularly scheduled Weekend Update on Synthetix.FM. I've been on a little break and have now returned with more rockin good times from the world where the 80s still rules.

There are going to be some minor changes to the updates from now on. Due the massive, and growing, amount of music being released I've had to make a decision about whether I try to cover absolutely everything relevant or whether I focus more on the music that stands out from the pack. The latter has been my choice as this site is always going to be a quality over quantity affair. When I review an EP or an album I want it to be the full Synthetix Experience and the only way I could cover more music is to radically change how I write about the music I review and that's something I don't really want to entertain.

This will result in a slight restructuring as my weekly reviews are going to be at the most two per week and the Weekend Updates will be subject to more filtering. Some EPs are also going to be covered in the Weekend Updates but the focus of them will still be giving a priority to rockin new producers on the scene. I want to make Synthetix.FM 100% reflective of the best of the 80s inspired synth scene and I hope this new formula makes the Synthetix Experience and even more refined and relevant to my readers.

Without further ado let's get rockin with your brand new Weekend Update on Synthetix.FM!

Professor Zonic Zynth keeps on teasing his radical new tunes primarily through his YouTube channel but he seems to be coming around to letting his adoring fans now own some of his music legitimately. His recent piece 'Speedin' Bully' is purely golden Zonic Zynth magic with the melodies and production are glowing with 80s authenticity. This is available to buy on his Bandcamp page through the link in the player and be sure to check out 'Ashley's Theme', which the Professor has also made available for purchase.



Some seriously radical sounds from Dreamwave Dave now and his new track 'Temp: Mastered Version' which I'm assuming is a 'work in progress' title. This producer loves pushing new ideas and his music into new directions, with this track we find more of a distilling of his sounds into a huge elements that remain uncomplicated but full of 80s brilliance.




Mulperi is back and rockin the scene with his very impressive new experience 'Rainbow In The Night'. The delicate formations of this composition are orchestrated to perfection with warm of each melody casting mesmerising spells over the listener. This gentle and thoughtful tracks displays a great deal of growth and refinement in Mulperi's music.




Nowtro is new producer introduced to me by Synthetix faithful Craig Packman and I'm very happy he did. Nowtro's latest track 'Neon Marathon' has absolutely glorious melodies and a structure that delights in every second of it's duration. The music is augmented by a slight modernity but this just emphasises the 80s magic of the piece even more. A superb track from this rockin new producer.




It's always a red-letter-day when there's a new Amazing Police track shared to soundcloud and 'Feel That Promise' exemplifies why this producer is one of the most exciting on the scene. The Amazing Police sound pushes a dreamy synthwave vibrancy while the soundscape becomes punctuated by exciting and unpredictable passages. Totally rockin in every way imaginable.




One producers who's sounds are always right on point for authenticity is Palisded and her new EP VHS Dreams gives an insight into the creative mind of this producers 80s sounds. The production lends itself to the bleakness of the tracks making a Cold War era electro synth atmosphere drive the melodies and emotions. Each track has an 80s minimalism to it which makes the elements very pronounced and allows Palisded to create emotional vistas that remain succinct throughout. 'Midnight Madness' is definitely one of the stand out tracks on this release with it's early 80s grimness contrasted by the high energy percussion. Unfortunately this EP isn't  available for purchase until the 7th of October when it will be up on iTunes, Juno and Beatport but I'll be sure to mention this release again when it's finally out. Until then these beautiful sounds will have to suffice on soundcloud in their full form although 'Midnight Madness' is currently available for FREE download.




'Pulse 80' is a new producer of rockin 80s sounds from Russia and he's proving to be a very exciting talent. His soundcloud has numerous 80s inspired pieces well worth spending some time with while his new track 'Midnight Escort' finds him in a more ambient and soundtrack themed space. For only being two minutes long this track certainly packs in a great deal. Its the kind of piece you could imagine taking five minutes plus to fully realise it's potential but even in this short, possibly work-in-progress for it's stunning to behold.




Poko Cox keeps on rockin hard with his latest song 'Electricity'. This artist continues to develop his own sound space with a personality all it's own and this song is possibly his strongest yet. High energy rhythms and vastly entertaining instrumentations really push the Rad Meter into the danger zone. This song is off his forthcoming Beginning EP which I'm champing at the bit to experience.




Gina Calabrese is a totally rockin new producer making emotional charged 80s inspired synth. Her new track 'Shadow In The Dark' brings to mind an ethereal romantic soundtrack which follows a lush path of emotional passages. The melodic refrain in this track combined with the haunting ambience makes for a wonderfully intimate soundscape. Loaded with melodic synthcerity 'Shadow In The Dark' is one delightful journey.




Sternrekorder's back with more golden tones of classic 80s synth in his new experience which is, I think a live jam he's recorded and shared. I'm always in rapturous love with the way Sternrekorder fabricates his pieces and to hear this magic in live session is totally k-rad to the max. The narrative is rich and full of surprises, which is to always be expected with this fine producer.




More hot new producer's keep making the scene and Steel Sky definitely knows how to make totally rockin 80s synth gold. His latest track entitled 'Mirage' is a pounding anthem with smoothly constructed melodies and a soundscape that forms majestically from glowing remnants of civilisations past and futures yet to be told. Many thanks to Lothar Poeller for enlightening me to this kick arse new producer.




One of the most exciting things to happen in the 80s inspired synth scene over the last few weeks was the return of early synthwave pioneer D/A/D. I've been a huge fan of this composer's sounds over the years and his triumphant return is to be applauded. His latest piece, 'Orion Beach' is absolutely beautiful from it's synth melodies to it's shredding guitars. This artist has always had a insightful understanding of how to make the 80s rock and it warms my heart to get to experience new musical frontiers from the imagination of Day After Discovery.





The long build up to the release of Arc Neon's next opus is almost over. To tease this release even further is this totally rockin new and heavily stylised preview for 'Blood Sport 2092. Arc Neon's new work has an incredibly detailled thematic they've built around the experience which is sure to provide us with huge amounts of thrills and excitement.




To finish of this Weekend Update on Synthetix.FM we have a spectacular new compilation from the rockers at New Retro Wave. This release is packed with incredible new tracks from the scenes most kick arse producers including Rain Sword, MegaDrive, Starforce, Perturbator, Highway Superstar, Silenx, Mulitpac (!!!) and many, many more. This is a must-own release and is definitely one of the best compilation releases of 2013. All this rockin action and it's FREE!! Get on it and rock it ASAP!



That wraps up this week's Weekend Update on Synthetix.FM. I'll be back with some more killer tunes from the 80s inspired synth scene during the week ahead. Until then, as always, stay 80s and keep on rockin!

Synthetix Weekend Update

Welcome to another Weekend Update on Synthetix.FM. You may notice there are two new additions the site's layout as I welcome a permanent link to Project Friday on the right column. Project Friday is a LIVE weekly radio show presented by Steve 'Silent Gloves' Gillson and delivers a totally kick arse show dedicated to 80s inspired synth and also includes other electronic genres as well as original 80s classics. This show is massively professional and encourages live participation through the Project Friday chatroom. Project Friday happens 9pm EST, U.S time every Friday night and I for one make sure I'm there to be part of the rockin radio action.

The other addition to the site is a new email form on the left hand side. As the scene grows and more and more music is released it's getting more and more difficult to keep on top of all the new releases. Through my searches and followings I get to find a lot of new music and the Synthetix.FM Facebook group is a truly marvellous source too but now I've added a way for you to contact me directly if you find or are a producer of 80s inspired synth music. Please feel free to contact me with any leads or your own tunes if you'd like them to be covered on Synthetix.FM.

Speaking of hot rockin tunes, we get to open this week's Weekend Update in a most radical of ways with another Synthetix.FM EXCLUSIVE from Plaisance!


'Kids' is the first track from Plaisance's upcoming full length album 'Children Of The 80s' and it promises to be full of Plaisance synth magic. This producer's authentic 80s production style is perfect for the youthful exuberance of the 80s. I'm really looking forward to this project as Plaisance's work in other thematics, particularly his seaside series, has been able to capture the moods and emotions of the subject eloquently and with great beauty. This track is full of vibrant melodies and has a very energetic and bouncy characteristic to it's story, and will be sure to brighten your weekend.


Cougar Synth has ventured into the realms of sensuality and intimacy with his new track 'Afterglow'. I love how the synthscape is so delightfully radiant and uncomplicated, allowing for each glance and touch to resonate with affection. Stunning work again from Cougar Synth and he's been so kind as to make this a FREE download too.




Garth Knight's also taking a road to romance with his latest 'Regardez Moi'. This has a much more, dare I say, Com Truise like personality to it with waves of synths being manipulated in pulsing nebulas forms that illuminate an aura of atmosphere warping romance. This is a totally rockin experience and gives Garth Knight yet another synth genre to draw from.




It's a return to the classic and wonderful Lost Years sound with his latest teaser 'The Other Side Of You' from this prolific producer. Listed as a 'studio session' this piece is full of Lost Years' marvellous OutRun energy, everything about it screams quality and the arrangements are already thrilling. In it's completed form this promises to be one hell of a ride.




New music next from Android Automatic with 'Neon Waves'. A fast paced melody leads into high level action OutRun with italo tinged melodies. This track leads into a sumptuous midpoint change that really adds a lot of perspective to the experience. The narrative is very impressive and really keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout. Currently available for FREE download.




Like Mowrey is back with an atmospheric new experience going by the name of 'Contact'. Smoothly undulating soundtrack elements are flavoured with a very introspective exploration of the melodies. The end result is hugely powerful, making the most of it's uncomplicated soundscape in a very engaging manner.




Vector Hold cites the classic 80s nuclear-thriller Def Con 4 as the major inspiration for his new track 'The Terminals'. Dark and mechanical in it's presentation the synths whisper foreboding prophecies and have a genuine desolation to them. The solitary aftermath is very prominent throughout and provides a very commanding atmosphere. Currently available for FREE download.




From what I can surmise this latest track from Vestron Vulture is a collaborative work with Cymphium, but I might be misunderstanding this. Most importantly this track 'One Word' is a totally rockin experience in action soundtrack synth with an orchestral layer driving the emotions. The combination works exceedingly well with massive action and thrills around every corner. Currently available for FREE download, also.




Alpha Boy continues his adventures in synth funk sounds with his latest release 'Roller Boogie'. I really enjoy the Alpha Boy style in this format, it seems to allow his melodies to mesh more with the rhythm sections and provide a very cohesive soundscape. Definitely a wonderful new direction for Alpha Boy to expand his repertoire in.



Speaking of journeying into new territories the latest Stellar Dreams composition sets a course for dark synth horror in 'Terror Street'. The synths are full of nightmarish qualities and story is rich with an ambiance of fright. This is a very strong track that builds and delivers a perfectly constructed experience in the dark synth dread.





Lightening the mood but keeping your pulse rate high is a new experience from Bobby Outro titled Giorgio Moroder. This piece takes many cues from Moroder's late 70s disco synth pieces and then adds  some more drama to mix with soundtrack inspired progressions. Many thanks to Aminova for enlightening me into this exciting producer.




Dance With The Dead unleashed a new track of their own horror OutRun persuasion with 'Came The Dawn'. This 'demo version' is absolutely rock hard with it's pounding drums and sublimely wondrous synth melodies. These guys have been hinting at a mid year release of their debut album and as that gets closer and closer my anticipation grow exponentially.




Poko Cox keeps rockin super hard ans his latest song takes his sounds to new levels of excitement. 'Paralyzed' is exemplary 80s inspired song writing with an incredible vocal track and the melodies are catchy as hell. Totally kick arse in all the right ways, Poko Cox always rocks.




Sunglasses Kid ramped up his already extreme work rate this week with no less than five new tracks on his soundcloud. Although these were predominantly new vocal mixes of existing tracks they're no less rockin or valuable as this really displays how much this producer wants to expand his horizons. This new version of 'My Destiny' featuring the always delightful vocal talents of Dana Jean Phoenix makes for a classic 80s synth pop experience par excellence. Be sure to check out the other new tracks on his soundcloud too.




New music new from Last Ride and his demo for the OutRun epic 'Streets of 2012'. Clocking in at more than seven minutes this piece really takes it's time to explore the melodies and soundscapes of it's creation. Even more surprising is that during this experience the music never loses it's direction or disengages the listener. By moving through numerous set pieces it really captures the imagination of the listener exceptionally well. Many thanks to Richard Kelly for enlightening me to this artist. 'Streets of 2012' currently available at a name-your-own-price point on Bandcamp currently too.



Robots With Rayguns brand of 80s drenched, vocal sample driven music is back with his slow and sensual ode to Selena Gomez titled 'Selena'. The music a steamy and licentious exploration of unrequited lust that becomes a dangerous obsession. RWR has been kind enough to allow this intimate experience to be available for FREE download, for our own personal fantasies.




After the masterful 'So Real' (featuring Patrick Baker) Silent Gloves has returned with a new magical synthscapade called 'We Live Forever'. This piece is more musical beauty incarnate as the lingering synth melodies intimate incredibly lustrous permutations, coloured with a vibrancy that glows with memories of the past and promises of the future. Pure majesty.




Chaconne is one of Synthetix.FM's favourite producers, I'm a massive fan of his soundscapes. Every piece of music he creates is so full of emotion and understanding of 80s sounds that each new release is like a religious experience. 'Dreamers' just solidifies this further with his gloriously rich instrumentations and dazzling arrangements. This is also currently a FREE download.



That does us for another big Weekend Update on Synthetix.FM. I hope you've enjoyed these tracks as much as I have. I'll be back next week with more good times and great rock'n'roll so 'til then, stay 80s and keep on rockin.

Synthetix Weekend Update

It's another massive Weekend Update with a hot selection of my favourite tracks to make the scene this past week. I've become very aware that over the next few weeks there are a whole mess of releases and there isn't going to be any way for me to cover all of them how I'd like to. I like to post three to four reviews during the week as time allows, but I've got five already in my waiting list on top of what gets released during the week. I try to make Synthetix.FM the place you can find all the most rockin new sounds in the 80s inspired synth scene, but I fear some releases are already falling through the cracks.

If posting more often was the solution, I'd do just that, but it's not the case. I've noticed that when I've posted more often during the week the posts get very little exposure to you, the audience, and then get shuffled down the page. I pride myself in writing what I feel about music and how it effects me and this takes time and effort to put into words but I love doing it and it's always going to be one of the hallmarks of Synthetix.FM. This means there will be some EPs I miss writing in depth about unfortunately.

Instead I'll be doing more Midweek Triple EP Meltdowns as the need sees fit. These reviews aren't as deep as the stand alone reviews, but I think it's the best option while there is such an abundance of music around. Synthetix.FM always tries to find and support new producers of 80s inspired synth music as a priority and this is the consistent focus of the site. And speaking of which this Weekend Update it full of hot new tracks from emerging producers in the scene as well as the established rockers we're all already fans of so lets get rockin with the Synthetix Weekend Update!


Sunglasses Kid is really making a big splash of late, his absolutely stunning synth romance sounds are a joy to behold and Summer Break Up hammers this home form beginning to end. Emotive synths dance with passionate guitars in a spectacle of pure 80s brilliance.




Someone new to Synthetix.FM in Cinema next. This act is brand new to me and came into my awareness courtesy of my synth-brother-in-arms Thomas Rivette. Cinema have a sultry sound that drips with a sensual mystique which is only magnified by the French chanteuse intimating untold pleasures. Late night sounds with an eye for encounters of the carnal kind.




We have a trio of teasers in this Weekend Update and the first one is for the next Dynatron EP; Flashbacks. The tracks teased in this preview are all full of beauty and soundscapes of dynamic arrangements and the instrumentations seem to be of a huge diversity. This is definitely going to be an exciting release and is due out May 10th.




SPF5Ø is really making some big statements with his music. He reminds me of other avant garde producers like Klockhaus and Camille R in that his sounds are unmistakably 80s, but the delivery is something all together new.❐~❍~❏ is full of exciting sounds that move in and out reality on a crash course with a destiny that is entirely otherworldly. A magnificent experience from start to finish and available for FREE download currently.




After leaving Tesla Boy and embarking on his own solo career Poko Cox is now solidifying his personal soundscapes with super exciting results. 'The Greatest Fear' is a dramatic piece of synth pop with staccato rhythms and dream like melodies. It's a very strong song and I hope theres more Poko magic in the offing soon.




The enigmatic Dreamwave Dave rocked on with his majestic new composition this week called Stand By. This sound is full of refinement and uncomplicated arrangements that allow the music to speak for itself. Melodies intimate deeper knowledge while the percussion marches in time with crisp precision.




Turning up the pace and the heat is Grooveworthy and his killer track Information Superhighway. Moving at a breakneck speed this is exactly the kind of music I'd expect to hear over an 80s documentary explaining the internet. Full of excitement and promises of a bright future this track is available currently for FREE download.




RF Extreme's latest adventure is most certainly into the shadowy side of the synth spectrum. 'Enter Dark Paradise' is a moody dirge which speaks of hidden dangers but contrasts this with a brighter story of hope that rides the crests of the darker tones. Delightfully arranged and thoroughly engaging.




Lazerpsek's launched a rockin new preview for his next EP which is still to be announced, but this teaser is very exciting. This producer's sounds are very unpredictable and highly volatile and from even these short snippets it looks like we're in for a wild ride in the near future with Lazerspek.




It's always a great week when theres new Starforce music released and with Retrospheres Starforce certainly improved mine. This demo cut is a hugely powerful slab of heavy Starforce space synth rockin.  A powerhouse of synth sounds and earth shattering percussion complete the experience, I can only imagine the final form of this piece if this is only the demo.




Adding even more excitement to this past week was the publishing of brand new experience from Miami Nights 1984. 'Deep Blue' finds MN1984 diving deep into a slow motion explosion of fathomless emotions and touching melodies. This is a very intimately written piece that definitely speaks from the heart and soul of the producer.




Next up is the hot new track from Fantastisizer. 'The Chase' is an energetic adventure into the dangers of the night. Exciting percussion and crystalline synth melodies punctuate a dramatic soundscape making the tension burn hot. This track is so smooth and undulating that it really takes the listener on a roller coaster ride, sublimely written and arranged.




Bringing some funky and sexy synth sounds to your weekend is Time Trvlr with Electic Shoes [sic]. I really love this track, it reminds of some of my favourite Synth Erotica pieces with it's high energy drums and sensual sounds and it's thoroughly authentic personality. Definitely a piece to get your weekend rockin with a nudge and a wink and I'll say no more.




MegaDrive is bringing forth the radness in monstrously big doses with his new OutRun opus Dataline. Sounds are pure and clean with punchy percussion and synth melodies totally ripping shit up throughout. This track is ominously strong and overflowing with vibrant 80s energy.




Neon Flash Drive and Foreign Blade teamed up recently for some rockin good times and the result is Stalemate. Epic sounds of ninja synth tones emanate through the night drama with a restrained force that builds like a tidal wave of electricity. 'Stalemate' definitely brings the strengths of both producers to the fore and I hope they work together again in the future. This is currently available for FREE download too.




Dance With The Dead are pursuing the 80s horror synth sound with much fervour and passion. I think this style works exceptionally well with their production styles. 'They Only Come At Night' features much dark synth moods but the main melody refrain is pure jubilation and is wholly uplifting. Yet another superb track from the artists formerly known as Jaypeau and Toe Knee.




Alpha Boy's new EP is set to hit next week and his preview is sounding very promising. The last year has seen a great deal of development and growth in Alpha Boy's style and his music seems to be taking on all new feelings and directions. I greatly look forward to experiencing it in full.




And speaking of artists growing and developing I'm elated to share with you the latest work from the scenes resident videographer Neros77. His work has been raised to even loftier levels than before with his video for Starforce's Summer Of 2085. The sands of time and oceans of space become the planes of an eternal existence, forever entwined in a story that traverses galaxies by seasons. This is the visualisation of this track done to absolute perfection.



That brings us to the end of another week full of good times and great rock'n'roll in the 80s inspired synth scene. I'll be back throughout next week with more rockin music to keep you rockin the 80s all the right ways. 'Till then stay 80s and keep on rockin.