Searsly Spuhghetti

By Eddie Spuhghetti


Besides being a soup made with beef stomach, Menudo was also a Latin boy-band that started in 1977 and spanned over three decades with a member list that resembles a few seasons of a sketch-comedy show.  Fundamentals of the group involved being under the age of 16 with no facial hair or noticeable girth in height; once you hit puberty in Menduo, your days in the group were finito.  Right from the get-go (I'll stop rhyming, I promise), the boys made a name for themselves in Latin America and broke young girl's hearts overseas across Spain and the surrounding areas.  The dawn of the mid-'80s marked Menudo's invasion into North America and paved the way for more work involving commercial jingles and touring.  Their 17th and second self-titled album would be one of their most successful and contain a track that managed to be the only tune of theirs to make it onto the Billboard Hot 100.  Featuring a tone that was more in the style of American teen-pop, Hold Me has all the things you'd want in a teenage love-tune from 1985 and of course, it had a pretty campy music video.

As the boys and their friends play tackle football in the street, in rolls a white luxury car up to a hotel across the road and out steps a babe with shoulder-pads.  At first ya think she's gonna join in on the game since she's got the gear on but it turns out she just wants to smile and tease the piss outta lead singer Robi.  Searsly; she walks away to go inside and then turns around again just to smile more at Robi gyrating his pelvis.  The group decide to go parading over to a nearby underpass where a b-ball game is going down: it's Menduo against Crop-Tops and Skins featuring an older fella with a safari hat on (wonder what he's on the hunt for).  With love on his mind, Robi sits the game out and sings to us about how he comes off as a bit looney to his friends when talking about the connection between himself and Hotel Babe.  After NBA Jam: Menudo Edition is over, everyone scatters back to the same street from earlier and as kids start to skateboard around, toss a ball about and argue over which member of Menduo is the cutest, our five young superstars take the opportunity to start dancing in unison in the middle of the road.  This impresses Hotel Babe so much that she comes running down from her balcony to stare Robi in the face as he continues his ballad of promises and cuddles.

Frankly, I don't blame her for rushing down there; if I saw five girls (or Menudo) doing a choreographed dance for me in the street, I'd be twirling my non-existent pony-tails.  In fact, I wouldn't mind learning the moves here myself because who the heck knows when they may come in handy?  You may notice during the video that one of the kids in Menudo looks like a young Ricky Martin; that's definitely him and he's considered the most well-known of the group's alumni.  Hold Me works quite well for it's intended audience: it's a song about young love and knowing when to act when you see a good thing smiling back at you.  While it does carry an overall taste of a cheezy "let me count the ways I love thee" song, there's oddly an underlining message here about self-confidence and not succumbing to peer pressure.  We've all been in a situation where we've had a massive crush on some guy or gal with that unexplainable sense of a mutual connection; yet, your friends dismiss it as just wishful thinking.  You just have to take a chance, say "what the piss" and try.  Just don't attempt to dance in the middle of the street unless it's a one way or you're in the 'burbs.




If you've not got onset diabetes from this slickly sick, sugary pop I'd suggest a high dose of direct intravenous Sunglasses Kid to give you those shakes you just can't stop.

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.

Synthetix Sundays

Marko Maric is still breathing in American oxygen at this time, BUT.... Larry Lang steps in once again to give you your Synthetix addiction another hit!

Tune in Sunday, 30th November, 2014 from 10am EST/3pm GMT/11pm Western Australian for 4 hours of amazing 80's inspired synth music! The best there is!!!

Joining Larry this week is Rick Shithouse with some extended quality time as will Paul "Dress 2 Kill" Daly with his regular "100 Followers or Less" showcase. If you want to get your synth on; this is the ONLY place to be!

Synthetix Sundays airs on Radio Pure Gently at 10am EST/3pm UK/GMT/12pm AEDST time which is one hour earlier than usual.

This will be Larry's final show before Marko returns from U.S odyssey, many thanks from all the Synthetix.FM rockers to Larry for stepping up and filling in! As usual the full show as well as the Quality Time With Shithouse free, purchasable and feature tracks will be added to this post on Monday.

Quality Time With Shithouse free, purchasable and feature tracks:

The Return Of Kasia's Secret Diary!

by Kasia

Thursday, 28th November, 2013

Sunglasses Kid featuring Bret Grace - Class Notes



With you everything takes on new meaning
It is a cloudy day but I can look at the sky 
And count all the stars out there
Your music makes the sky so blue
Everything is suddenly crystal clear
I feel like I want to be close to you
I want to have you around
I feel that with you my all dreams can become real!
I want this magical journey full of great sounds and positive vibes to last forever!
I will always follow you no matter where you go !




Wednesday, 14th August, 2013

Valente - The Distant Lights (Anoraak Remix)



If you asked me to choose a track which always brings me hope 
I would choose YOU
Yes you, because every single word of your lyrics 
And every single note of your music lets me believe that no matter how bad things are,
there is always a solution to make things better
And there is always somebody ready to help us 
Even though we usually can not see it 
We are fighting under the same moon
I just love this sentence
And though I know you can't see us 
We are out here
We're all out here 
We are right here
Never give up. 
Never let anybody destroy you or put you down
Always believe in yourself because you are the best thing you have...
You will find what you seek if you just keep swimming towards the distant light




Sunday, 8th June, 2014

Oligee - My Electric Heart



Every single day brings us something new 
A further piece of the future
What I like about this day is that it gave me an opportunity to meet you
My electric heart 
Mmmm I really wanted to write something nice about you
And to describe you with the most beautiful words
But everything that comes to mind seems to not be good enough
You are just a pure listening pleasure
So fascinating...
Dreamy...
And also so different 
So smooth and so unique
Sometimes sad and sometimes so happy
So emotional 
I have so many different visions in my head when I listen to you
It's amazing what music can do to ones mind
Some people have hearts of stone
Some of them I think don't have a heart at all 
And even though I don't know anything about your heart
I know for sure that you have a beautiful and colourul soul 
And I hope that nothing will ever change it!

Synthetix Weekend Update

The festive season is getting into full swing and the hot tunes just keep on rockin. No time for dillydallying this week, this Weekend Update is ready to explode with a monstrous amount of quality 80s flavoured synthsperiences rockin from a myriad of virtual locations around the galaxy directly into your hearts and minds.

First up on the starting grid is the irrepressible Danger Mode and his new smash hit 'Class Act'. Exploring some very refined Synth Romance sounds this is beautifully arranged track that channels Steve Winwood directly. Get rockin on this now as it's available for FREE download currently.




Shyguys are back from a six month hiatus with a totally rad new track that is full of 80s love and contains a truly beautiful uplifting aesthetic. The lead melody positively dances around the synthscape while the percussion is just as vibrant and energetic. Available for FREE download currently!




One thing I truly appreciate about modern producers is when they are inspired by 80s themes that are a tad less obvious than the usual standards. On Action Jackson's new track we are taken deep in the heart of Russia with 'Girl From USSR'. The world behind the Iron Curtain in the 80s was one of much speculation and fascination, especially from the West's point of view. Action Jackson captures these Eastern European elements succinctly and delivers them perfectly throughout this great piece. Make sure you check LA Nights, another track he shared this week, even in demo form it totally rocks.




More intimately tender Synth Romance, this time from MoweLan. 'Moonrays' is a majestically performed work of emotionally enriching beauty. The tempo and narrative are lithe and arched for maximum sensuality while the guitars provide sultry passages of electrifying excitement. Available for FREE download, make sure this makes all your 'late night' playlists.




Lueur Verte's triumphant return to the scene has been witnessed by his newly shared preview for the Crystallica EP,  which is due out December 1st. Drama, action, love and adventure are all teased throughout the five snippets available. It is not long to wait for the full release and I'll be sure to give this the full Synthetix.FM treatment upon it's release.




It's no secret to anyone that I rather enjoy making up names and terms regularly on Synthetix.FM and after hearing D/A/D's penchant for this kind of thing in his interview on Beyond Synth this week I've become even more inspired to do so. Sunglasses Kid's new track feels like the perfect place to introduce a new sub genre that I'm going to call After School Special Synth. It's a little bit Library and a little bit funky and it sure is rockin from beginning to end. You can purchase your own copy of 'The Last Dance' via the link in the player. Oh, and I love you too, Sunglasses Kid!




Every time I hear a new Evanton track I seem to think to myself 'this is definitely the best Evanton track' and then they release a new piece, and the same thought comes to mind. Such is the progression these rockers have made throughout 2013 and with 'Don't Stop' they've done it again. Definitely my favourite Evanton experience thus far with the perfect blend of Electro Breakin' and Italo Disco all packaged with a gleamingly slick production. You can pick up a copy of this which includes the U.S Remix and Radio Version through the link in the player.




Do you like to rock? Do you want to rock? If the answer to both of these questions is yes, then you'll certainly want to get the volume cranked up well past safe levels and rock the hell of the absolutely kick arse new track from Jon Of The Shred entitled '2029 A.D.'. This guitar drenched composition of dramatic synths and awe inspiring power is something to behold. I think this is one of Jon's first experiments in rock synth experiences, but I certainly hope is not his last as '2029 A.D.' is k-rad to the max.




How can you possibly follow something with such extreme rocking? With extreme funking, thats how!
Garth Knight is back to full form funk flights of fantasy with his brand new track 'Dance With Me'. I love how stripped back this piece feels, theres a real 'live' element to the synthscape that is totally engaging. It's great to see such strong return from Mr Knight, and you can purchase your own copy of 'Dance With Me' through the link in the player.




Niky Nine has proven to be one of the most exciting new producers coming out of the back end of 2013 and his new release 'Road' adds even more weight to this. The drama is kept in check with an absolutely stunning lead synth melody that flows like a neon liquid of saturating 80s wonder. The story is told splendidly well with each passage and refrain ushering in new levels of excitement. This superb experience is available to add to your collection at a name-your-own-price point through the link in the player.



Another hot rockin preview teaser next, this time from Palisded. I've got a weak spot for Palisded's brand of 80s inspired synth work as it's minimalist nature is punctuated by it's beautifully conceived melodies and combine for a hypnotising elevatory experience. This new album displays these traits in each of the teased tracks. It's not too long to wait for the full album however, as it's due out on the 19th of December.




KFDDA keeps on upping his game with each shared track and his latest is definitely one of his strongest thus far. 'New Sights' eases into itself  through it's introductory passage but quickly finds a path of marching intent and melodic adventures within. I really love the freeform nature of the production that makes it feel lik a live jam yet it still retains a strong narrative. Great work and is currently available for FREE download.




A new compilation from Violent Success Productions called Retro Future is due out on the 3rd of December but I couldn't contain my excitement for two tracks off it from Droid Bishop and Crozet. The compilation contains no less than nineteen tracks from a huge variety of artists both familiar and unfamiliar to myself, and I'm really looking forward to experiencing the full package. For now though, we must rock the amazing new track from Droid Bishop, 'Days Of The Running Man'. The structure to this experience is absolutely jaw dropping with emotive melodies combining with lushly detailed synthscapes that are bursting with vibrant colours and energies.




Another awesome track off this compilation is 'Hold My Weight' from Crozet. This is a high speed adventure into Synth Romance with pastel crushes of synths and percussion melding with a delicate vocal track. The pop sensibilities of Crozet are very apparent as this experience is perfectly arranged for the absolute maximum emotional impact. It's anthemic and full of beauty, wonderful music.




Keeping things in the Synth Pop realm is the new song from the Some Desperate Glory side project Pacific Deep entitled 'Upgradeable'. These guys have really nailed the new romantic synth sounds of the early 80s with a poignant vocal track and a super catchy chorus. These music is authentic and full of homage to the classics of the day while adding a new layer of freshness to the mix.




To finish of this Weekend Update we have something from Le Matos, this is an old promo video for their 'Coming Soon' album that came out in 2011, but I just came across this and had to share it. The video is wonderfully implemented modern take on the original music video for Kenny Loggins 'Footloose' and this combined with the always amazing Le Matos magic makes for a sublimely rad experience.


Le Matos "88mph" music video from Le Matos on Vimeo.


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

Synthetix Weekend Update

Only one week left to get in your submissions of the Synthetix.FM Rhythm Vivisection Halloween Mixtape! Be sure to get your darkest and most blood curdling synth jams to me over the next week, it's already looking fantastic with hot new tracks from Vincenzo Salvia, Denovomutans, MegaDrive, TSTR, Chaconne and Ilya Santana already in, amongst others. Drop me a line via the contact form if you've got something to add to terror!

Onto a new project now from Антон Лебедь and his studio Montana Games. Антон has begun to realise one of my dreams that I hoped someone would make real. His project is a new racing video game based on a graphics engine styled on gorgeous 80s wireframes. The video below conveys how beautiful this aesthetic is, and to have it as a playable game is going to rock even harder!



Антон is looking for producers willing to share their music for Glow Racing.  I'm sure you can imagine the absolutely sublime experience it will be for totally retro-futuristic immersion and Антон is hoping to release this on numerous formats and Synthetix.FM is getting behind it 1000%. If you can offer anything help aid him in making this a reality please contact him via email here.

I'm sure you'll agree, this is going to be an amazing interactive experience!!


Right on, time to get the new Synthetix Weekend Update rockin!


First up is a hot new jam from Fantastisizer. It's his first new track in a few months has certainly been worth the wait. 'Breaking Point' is darker piece that has some very interesting melodic structures and sounds, lending to it an otherworldly glow. Great to have Fantastisizer back and rockin the scene.




NFD Music's new track is a soundtrack synth composition which is going to be used as a accompaniment to a graphic novel he's also producing, which in itself is a very exciting premise. 'Jack Slade' has a moody build to it that rises like a storm. The adventure begins with this piece and I'm definitely looking forward to where NFD will take us. This track is currently available for FREE download.




A rip roaring new track from Future Holotape next. This synth pop experience is full of passion and fervour and absolutely stunning synth work. 'Cult Hallucinations' is dark in it's aspect but the synth melodies add gleaming lights and colours to the mix.




Something utterly epic now from the ever rad Photosynthesi. I wasn't sure where he was going with this new track's introductory passage but the build that follows leads into one of the most emotionally rich and rewarding pieces of lustrous synth romance of 2013. The echoing percussion and hypnotising melodies are overflowing with brilliantly realised sentiment in a narrative that is as vast as it is intimate. Stunningly beautiful.




Mitch Murder's video game soundtrack covers are always something special and he's really killed it on his latest FREE download track 'Mute City'. Yes, this is the soundtrack to the Mute City course from the classic SNES Mode7 racer F-Zero. The Mitch Murder magic is rockin all kinds of ways in this great re-imagining of a tune that is definitely one of my fondest video game racing tunes. Also be sure to pick up the new three track EP from Mitch Murder on his Bandcamp page here which contains his recent hits 'Killer Angels', 'Medley for Science' and new rocker 'Frame of Mind'.




Keeping the accelerator firmly planted is the new track from MoweLan 'Desert Drift'. There is a smooth elegance to this piece that is very engaging. The delicate nature of the melodies are underpinned by a powerful rhythm section. It's pace isn't high speed, but this is the ultimate slow motion replay accompaniment for any blazing fast motorsport.




The new track from Aysyne is dramatic OutRun styled affair titled 'New Action Hero'. The music geared for lots of dangerous action and thrilling scenes with killer orchestral stabs and catchy refrain that holds the narrative together. This is currently available for FREE download too.




One of the biggest journeys in 2013 has been Lazerhawk's Skull And Shark soundtrack for Dave Rapoza's new web comic. I've been ardently following it's progress and it excites me greatly to know that long wait is coming to an epic climax very, very soon. The new teaser Lazerhawk has shared may only be glimpses at the full experience, but I can guarantee it's going to be a monstrously vast release.




Going to the entire opposite end of the 80s inspired synth spectrum is the delightful new track from James Baker. 'When I See You' is brimming with glittering 80s synth naiveté that continues the feelings from the extremely awesome Un Paradis Tropical. I brings me great pleasure that James Baker has share these tracks, and seven more originals in his FREE album release available here. This is definitely something everyone should have in their 80s inspired synth music library.




Arne Ruudson is moving into the danger zone and high speed with his new rocker 'The Final Race'. Instruments are layered in with purpose and energies are focused to a pin point of searing synth power. I love the personality of this track as the sounds lend themselves to a videogame inspired tone that is full of retro charm.




80s Stallone is feeling the drama and passion in his new track 'Hold On'. I love 80s Stallone's dramatic pieces as they have such a triumphant spirit about them and this new track is no exception. The music is kept uncomplicated and has a great vocal track that fits in exceedingly well. This is available for download at a name-your-own-price point.



More action now, courtesy of Danger Mode and his new OutRun adventure 'Survivor'. Arrangements are engineered for huge excitement as modern and vintage flavours mix into one thrilling experience. The Danger Mode synthscape blooms into a spectacular new forms on this track and it's definitely one of my favourites from him.




One of the biggest songs of the week is definitely the new synth pop classic 'High School Love' by the combined talents of Sunglasses Kid and Miranda Carey. Once again Sunglasses Kid's understanding of how 80s pop music magic is created comes to delicious fruition as the scene's newest chanteuse rocks into glorious prominence. Totally rad and magical. Radgical? Yeah, that'll work.




The final part of this week's Weekend Update will be of no surprise to those who frequent the Synthetix Music Group on Facebook, where I originally shared this track as I couldn't contain my excitement upon initially experiencing it. This is a track by Adrien Aubrun & Thomas Trichet,  with the title of 'F40 1987'. Adrien contacted me with this and my mind was blown apart the instant I heard it. The emotional depth in the melodies as well as the dynamic production makes for some of the most wonderful music I've heard this year. I am floored by the beauty of this experience, and I've been informed that Adrien and Thomas are trying to do a full EP of 80s inspired synth music in the future.
For now, we have a true opus of what this music is all about, I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.



That does us for another rockin Weekend Update on Synthetix.FM, I'll be back during the week with more good times and great rock'n'roll from the 80s inspired synth scene.

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

The Unpredictable Genius Of Sunglasses Kid

When it comes to the upper echelon of producers in the field of evolved 80s sounds there is one that's not only rushing to the top but also, and most importantly, taking others along with him for the ride. Sunglasses Kid appeared on the scene earlier in 2013 and set about recreating the 80s pop magic with romantic and funky tracks that have progressively formed into his own stylistic vision. The Sunglasses Kid ideology has always been about the true and authentic emotional moods of the 80s with a modicum or modernity added for a more dynamic experience.

To get this dynamism Sunglasses Kid set about forming relationships with other artists and recognising the magic they could bring to his aesthetic. I've long championed the idea of producers working with other musicians and vocalist to not only expand their own horizons but to get that creative flow of like minded individuals rockin. Sunglasses Kid has been one of the single best exponents and examples of how working with others with the same passions can make for something as stunningly magical and full of promises and opportunities in the future.



The EP is entitled 'Unpredictable' and this is definitely true to the soundscapes presented by the Kid in the five singles contained herein. From energetic party anthems, to sultry night moods, to driving rock synths and into the pastel pinks of an eternal teenage crush there are scant 80s action and romance stones left unturned as Sunglasses Kid and friends explore passions, perils and parties.

The opening track is 'Summer Nights' featuring the talents of Leon Monroe and Highway Superstar. This sets the pitch perfect scene as heavily DeBarge inspired funk pop begins to rock the party from sunset to sunup. Moods are light with a breezy crispness to the instruments that feels positively tropical. It's this instant moment that Sunglasses Kid puts you in that creates much of the magic of his music and his vision for making his music so tactile is something especially wonderful.

Following up 'Summer Nights' is the moody desperation of 'Come Back To Me' in which the Kid has enlisted The Boy And Sister Alma for starring roles. The cries of tortured passion and heart wrenched submission take a turn for the dark corners of the night where shadows as the only company and tears the only solace. Lyrics are cast like a shroud of crumpled sheets with a longing and anguish that are whispered in vain to unhearing ears and unfeeling hearts. The music reflects the racing heartbeats and hope but also despair in their own tortured folly. A magnificent work that is part Pat Benatar and part Don Henley but all Sunglasses Kid.

A trend I'm absolutely adoring this year is the amount of times I've had the pleasure of hearing Kristine's beautiful voice and yet again I'm set a quiver with her intimated confessions of passion in 'Time In Time'. Taking inspiration from later 80s sounds this song is driven by a totally rockin rhythm section and stabs that go soul deep. The story is full of intimate moments however never becomes too salacious but it's easy to see the more illicit passions writhing suggestively underneath the radio friendly pop exterior.

'See You Next Saturday' rocks on next and this piece is definitely one of the more adrenalin fuelled journey's into the past. The music sits just this side of OutRun frenzy but balances the soundscape with some supremely kick arse guitars courtesy of the supremely kick arse D/A/D. The smoothness of this track is what gives it a wistfully lighter than air aesthetic while also containing thousands of horsepower under the hood. The excitement is beautifully described as the magical forces of synths and guitars combine to rock you into a new dimension of exciting possibilities.

The final track on Unpredictable is the hugely inspirational 'Class Notes'. For this piece Sunglasses Kid has brought the saxophone talents of Bret Grace into the fold of evolved 80s experiences and the product of this is totally k-rad to the max. Not to discount the use of any synth sax in the scene (and even on other tracks on this release) but the vibrancy and tone of the real instrument being played by one of it's devotees surpasses and digital version immeasurably. The music funks and grooves with great dexterity but it's the gorgeous sax played throughout that elevates this experience into a whole new world. There is just a touch of Library music in this piece and it could easily be the main theme to the latest 80s steamy private eye series from the typewriter of Stephen J Cannell.

'Class Notes' completes the EP and it does so in a way most befitting of such a rockin release and thats on a deliciously high note. The 'Unpredictable' EP is an aural gold mine of 80s goodness that keeps the experiences at fever pitch from beginning to end. It's a testament to Sunglasses Kid's creative process and if I was doing the report card for this semester's work from the Kid it would certainly end with an 'A+, works well with others'.

Unpredictable is presented on Sunglasses Kid's Bandcamp page here and I can't possibly recommend this highly enough. This is most definitely a Synthetix Reference Experience as the five synthual suites on this EP are each as stunning and as sumptuous as each other. Given the scope and sheer amount of territory covered between these creative ideas, let alone the variety of other talent involved, we are presented with an astoundingly beautiful experience in what makes the new vision of 80s music just so goddamned rockin.

Synthetix Weekend Update

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

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

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

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




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




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




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




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




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




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



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



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




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




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




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



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




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

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

Before we get to this week's Weekend Update on Synthetix.FM I first wanted to pay special attention to the incredible new compilation from Werkstatt Recordings: Synth City. This THIRTY track compilation is jam packed with 80s synth superstars and all the tracks are EXCLUSIVE to this release!

It's an amazing reflection of the diverse talent in the scene and when brought together in this format makes for an awe inspiring monolith of synth rhapsody. Garth Knight, 80s Stallone, Perturbator, LA Dreams, DJ Ten, Camille R, Vincenzo Salvia, Ace Attack, Protector 101 and Embryonik are just some of the producers included.

Synthetix.FM doesn't review compilations, but I always have a link to the most current and rockin one on the right hand side bar, so make sure you get this incredible, and FREE, compilation presented by the wonderful Werkstatt Recordings as soon as possible.

Now, lets ROCK with the Synthetix Weekend Update!


First up we have sort of reissue from Corvallis. 'Pantera' was originally released on an EP last year but Corvallis has seen fit to rerelease it as a single.  It's dark and dangerous and has an almost impossibly long lead in before it hits, but the anticipation built is absolutely rockin. The highly effect treated vocal adds a huge amount of haunting mysticism to the experience.



Ogre Sound has been on the Synthetix.FM radar for quite a while now, and his album 194 from last year provided some marvellous soundtrack synth flavoured experiences. His next release, 'Calico Brown' has been directly inspired by the ever inspirational TV series Miami Vice and from this sampler he's really rockin all the right ways. Greatly looking forward to the full release on the 20th of May.

SPF5Ø is back with his horror inspired dark synth mayhem once again with a new track delightfully titled 'Bitches Blood'. The soundscape is torn asunder with synth violence that borders on an industrial style, the layering towards the end becomes very intense. Available currently for FREE download.

Starion's brand of catchy disco synth has resurfaced with this marvellous slice of italo love called 'Theme From Ferranti'. It's the perfect blend of spatial atmospherics and catchy melodies and it's pace allows for the perfect ambiance.




Keeping the italo golden is Lost Year's new track 'Tear'. The Lost Years sound is one of my favourites in the scene and this piece really displays the genius of this producer's style. The arrangements are absolutely flawless with just the right emphasis on everything to create the perfect tonal balance. 'Tear' is up to Version 2 already, it's evolution should provide much entertainment.




Laurence McFunk has turned the drama up to dangerous levels with his epic new piece 'Turn In Your Badge'. This feels so authentic as a piece of high tension 80s soundtrack work that if I close my eyes I can visualise the scene instantly. Even as a short piece, this is right on point and also available for FREE download.




Nite Sprite is back with a vengeance with his rockin new track 'Strut'. The energy of this builds with pure magic and drops like a metric tonne of rad. The funky arrangements are contrasted with darker, menacing details but then evolve into a synthscape full of beauty and clarity. This track is available for purchase on iTunes here.




If you don't know who Visage are you need to stop reading this right now and go and educate yourself on their seminal music from dawn of the new romantic age. Their triumphant return is only weeks away and they're teasing the full album release with previews of each song leading up the album launch  on the 20th of May. Their understanding of new and classic sounds has resulted in a wonderfully 80s soundscape laced with just the right amount of modernity. 'Never Enough' is one of the songs I'm most looking forward to, but I'll be sure to give the record the full Synthetix.FM treatment upon it's release.




I'm finding Dr Pecco to be one of the most exciting new talents in the 80s inspired synth scene, he manages to instill a very vital and vibrant energy in his music and with this short teaser for his next EP it's sounding like he's refining his sound even further. Looking forward to this release immensely.




Electric Disection is exciting talent that keeps bringing the radness to the masses and his new piece 'Semblance Of A New World' is a delightfully introspective piece with smooth synth melodies that are uplifting and full of hope. The lead melodies provide and excellent counter argument with their pointed questioning, adding even more interesting layers. This is available for FREE download currently, also.




PH Groove is back and rockin hard with his new opus 'Witness This'. Rhythms as set to maximum excitement and the unrelenting pace builds to an explosion of 80s synth action. PH Groove also shared another excellent track this week in 'She Loves Dancing' and both are currently available as FREE downloads.




To mark his achievement of 6000 followers on soundcloud Mitch Murder has graciously shared a gorgeous new excursion called 'Mirage' as a FREE download. This track continues Mitch Murder's love affair with Pino Palladino styled basslines and winds things back to languid pace allowing for the subtlety of the soundscapes to have their magic and wonder fully appreciated.




A new producer of rockin 80s synth, introduced to me by the totally kick arse duo Stellar Dreams, is Kid Flash. His new track 'Nascar' uses lots of high energy synths and liberal samples from Days of Thunder to create a totally kick arse synth ride that's got equal doses of passion and action. This is another track available currently for FREE download.




After their very disappointing release (from my perspective) 1991, Tesla Boy have returned to form with the much more 80s sounding song 'M.C.H.T.E'. Once again they've shown why they're so good at rockin the 80s sounds and emotions with totally electrifying energy and superb lyrical themes.




Perturbator's rockin some massive sounds with the preview to his next EP 'Sexualizer'. This five track release is sounding very, very impressive from these preview tracks. The opening song featuring Adam 'Le Cassette' McNab on vocals is something I found jaw dropping and the other four experiences all hint at even more excitement courtesy of one of the scenes premier producers.




Sunglasses Kid is fast becoming one of my favourite composers of truly authentic 80s inspired synth music. Each new track he shares presents a boldly crystalline vision of true 80s sounds and emotions. His new track 'Miami Lover' distills this down to an even richer purity, the sax, synth and percussion are as harmonious as they are entrancing. A glorious example of total 80s nostalgia. This is available for purchase from his Bandcamp page here.




Mulperi's new track 'Friends' caught my attention with his somber tones and very intimate melodies. Although not strictly 80s in it's personality there is an 80s soul that colours the emotions and allows for some very beautiful soundscapes to emerge. Another track currently available for FREE download.




Bringing the 80s back in no uncertain terms is the new track from Betamaxx 'Redlining 6th'. This high energy OutRun adventure is going to be the opening intro to his next album release. The synths are on fire throughout this track and the break neck pace is thoroughly invigorating.




Although only forty six seconds in length this new teaser from Grooveworthy was something I just had to share. 'Information Breakdown' has one of the most powerful percussive tracks I'm yet to experience and builds to a point that for now shall remain a mystery. This track is going to be epic.




On the cusp of releasing their next odyssey, 'Bloodsport 2092', Arc Neon have re-released their Wet Dreams EP in a special edition format with seven extra tracks. This EP was already a totally rockin release (reviewed on Synthetix.FM here) and this expanded release is something everyone should support, especially at it's 'Name Your Own Price' price point.




And finally we have a preview for the debut EP from Lazerspek courtesy of Future City Records. This three track affair promises to be very interesting based on this producers previous sounds and his own brand of new and old sounds should make for riveting synthual experience.




That does us for another Weekend Update on Synthetix.FM. Next week will be another action packed one with a hot batch of 80s inspired synth releases to review and share with you so until then, stay 80s and keep on rockin.