Synthetix Weekend Update

Time for another rockin Weekend Update on Synthetix.FM! This week has a witnessed the beginning of the FIFA World Cup and in celebration Werkstatt Recordings has garnered a roster of quality synth talent to release a great new World Cup themed compilation titled Soccer Wave: The Road To Glory.

Not since New Order's World in Motion have synths and football been so tuned as one as the likes of Plaisance, Fixions, Foreign Blade, Shio-Z, Nitelight and many more hot rockin synth producers take to the pitch and quest for victory. You can pick up a copy of this great release on Werkstatt Recording's Bandcamp page here, so it can be your complete soundtrack to this epic sporting event.




Now get ready to take off to adventure with this week's AIRBORNE feature releases!

Sferro & Tommy - Matters Of The Heart Joining forces and enlisting even more killer talent we find Sferro & Tommy combining their magical synth magic in this great little EP. The opening title track is a sumptuous synth pop vista of luxurious 80s textures and emotions with a sultry vocal courtesy of Yota. 'Rapture' brings the dreamy melodies of Tommy into focus with arrangements given a glossy layer of Sferro synth magic. These two totally rockin tracks are accompanied by remixes of each from Cassette Club and Rex Ronan to finish off an already stellar experience in 80s inspired synth beauty.


Nemix - Electromechanical Nemix has released his debut EP which contains five tracks of high energy synth rockin that crosses genres and decades with very interesting results. Much of his melodies come across as heavily 80s influenced whilst the arrangements are engineered to maximise drama where necessary and then lull back into emotive pastures. 'Human V20' provides a delicately pieced together work of Synth Romance while still keeping a very modern/futuristic technological vibe, which is very intriguing. Stand out tracks also include the totally rockin 'City 2084' and 'Forbidden
Labs' which sounds like it should be on a Castlevania soundtrack.


Manolis - At My/Her Place Manolis is back with a superb new two track release that is a wonderfully explored concept in Synth Romance intimacy. At My/Her Place is a two track affair exploring synthual relationships in different environments between two people. The differences in being with the same person in differing spaces is beautifully illustrated via Manolis's incredible musical talent. Subtlety and understatement allow for wonderfully tender moments through both beautifully constructed tracks.  A stunning release and a shining example of a simple concept given immense depth.

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Kicking off this week's Weekend Update tracks is Cobra Copter who's rockin some serious action in his latest track 'Ultimate Ninja'. The stealthily understated  opening chapters lead into full silent assassin overkill with great progressions and a lead refrain that is full of synth ninja magic. I'm sure Godfrey Ho would be proud to have this piece on a soundtrack to any of his superb ninja cinema masterpieces.




I'm becoming more and more impressed by the work of Alter Sun of late. His latest track really rocks some quality 80s vibes and with equal portions of Paul Hardcastle and Harold Faltermeyer combining into a feel good holiday vibe full of bright colours and warm sunshine.




Coming in right on track for the my next feature mixtape for International Boombox Day (more on this next week) is the great new electro rockin piece from Pulse 80 titled 'Sweet Groove'. Huge percussion highlights right on point 80s melodies in a jam that's sure to make your woofers wallop and your tweeters twitch. Currently available for FREE download via the link in the player.




A new rocker for Synthetix.FM now with Tetrahominoid and his totally kick arse track 'Convoy'. The electro rockin is turned up to maximum in this track with a chorus that is catchy far beyond the legal limits. Kick arse work and I hope to cover more Tetrahominoid tracks on here in the future.




It's great to have Dream Fiend rockin a kick arse new original tune with 'Lockdown' this week. The melodic journey this tracks takes the listener on is stunningly detailed and full of lush 80s sounds and produced with a sparkling coat of neon gloss.




There is definitely ardor in the air this week as yet another stunning Synth Romance track this time from Mooginizer and his wonderfully constructed piece 'Take Her Home'. The music moves through some intriguing chapters as Mooginizer really makes the percussion work in extraordinary ways to highlight the magic of the lead melody. Currently available for FREE download, get on it ASAP.




Another piece of music that is stunningly assembled is the new track from The Northern Lights going by the name of 'Indigos'. The presence created is immense and full of emotional nuance. There is a tactile mix of power and delicacy that is breathtaking. A wonderfully involving piece of music.




Steve Moore is a legend of 80s inspired synth music and it's fantastic that his stature has been recognised by Capcom as he's contributed kick arse music for the just released Dead Rising 3 DLC pack, extravagantly titled Super Ultra Dead Rising 3 Arcade Remix Hyper Edition EX + Alpha which brings a tonne of revered Capcom character designs into the Dead Rising universe. This track is currently available for FREE download, also.




RF Extreme's brand of emotive synthual pleasures is one I'm always excited to partake in another slice of and with 'Path Unknown' those sweetly delicious flavours are once again baked to perfection and iced with dreamy neon colours. The journey is deep and enriching and swells with great beauty.




Although it's policy on Synthetix.FM that i don't cover preview/demo tracks (I'd much prefer to wait until they are fully completed to give them proper exposure) I couldn't resist including the latest track by one my of favourite new producers of 2014, the ever impressive Sebastian Gampl with 'Chicago'. Though listed as a 'teaser' I'm not sure how else this wonderful piece of music will evolve as it is incredibly impressive as it stands. The best news is that Sebastian Gampl will be a releasing an album before the year's end so I figure this track (and his also rockin 'Freedom Fighter' track) might be the last time we get to hear from him for a while.




Robert Parker's really got the creative juices flowing this week with another great electro breakin' synth odyssey for your delectation. 'Spin' is full of nods to classic breakdance music while glowing with that beautiful Robert Parker magic. This is also available currently for FREE download too.




Fantastisizer is back with a hot new track titled 'Mirror Of You'. Haunting melodies providing an hypnotic and spacious synthscape that creates a hazy, dreamlike vision. The focus of the melody remains unchanged throughout but it's the atmospheres that are adapted and eventually brought to stunningly climactic final chapter that make the experience magical.




Myrone continues to redefine my love for 80s inspired synth music as he once again rocks harder than melonfarmer in his latest guitar and synth extravaganza: 'Heating Up'. This explosive, high octane thrill ride is packed with shredding, wailing, ripping and rockin all night long. Available for FREE download you NEED this piece of music in your life as loud and as often as possible. Be sure to check out Myrone's collaborative work with Max LeRoy, 'That's It Man' also released this week as a FREE track.




A live action fan project to make an accurate live-action version of AKIRA has secured the ever rockin Le Matos to make the soundtrack as rad as possible. 'Kiyoko' is a track to be featured in this project (which you can get sneak peak of here) and is a quality blend of classic 80s sounds and modern arrangements done in that classic Le Matos style. It's definitely the perfect audio accompaniment for the visuals, that's for sure. I'm certainly looking forward to how this project evolves as, like many of you reading this, I'm a huge fan of the original AKIRA animation.





This weeks feature video is for the long awaited new record from Mitch Murder. Synthetix.FM is officially on the hype train for this release as full length Mitch Murder experiences are always created with the highest calibre weaponry available and polished to a mirror finish. We've been promised physical copies of this album courtesy of Mad Decent including a vinyl release, which will definitely be making one of my long-term 80s inspired synth dreams come true. The album is due out the end of July, so expect more news and full coverage of the release as it gets closer, for now this beautifully animated album trailer for Interceptor will have to suffice.




That does us for another Weekend Update on Synthetix.FM. I'll be back during the week along with Kasia for more musical explorations in the world of 80s inspired synth music.

'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.