The tracks “Soulmates,” and “Requiem” are particularly well produced. Although this is his first release, Corrupted Machines might just be a name to watch in the future. We’re excited to see what he cooks up next!

Grab a listen here!

PYLOT is than just fantastic synthwave – it’s a narrative and puzzle as well. With every musical release is a bit of storyline to accompany it, jam packed with secret codes and messages that have been enticing fans since 2015. I was lucky enough to catch him right at his beginning – check out my early interview here!

Since then PYLOT has been a busy biker – “Solai” marks his tenth release. The story has unwound from a case of blunt force induced amnesia to a towering skyscraper and a scheming cyberpunk team named “Shawdowtask” – PYLOT’s second EP’s namesake. The last journal entry along with the fantastic track “Cruising” finds PYLOT beginning a search for his lost bike.

Throughout this adventure PYLOT’s sound has steadily changed as well. In his early tracks we hear the funky French-touch of Justice mixed with robust blend of complextro and outrun. As the journal entries progress, we hear the introduction of raw piano, 80’s guitar riffs and heavily synthesized vocals.

With the latest release, “Solai,” we see this evolution mature. Although I absolutely adore PYLOT’s earlier works, the direction he has been heading is equally phenomenal. “Solai” takes a step back from the intense, driving outrun and electro inspiration of his roots and expands gracefully into new territory, incorporating more retrowave elements to craft a truly amazing work. “Solai” strikes me as a cyberpunk version of The Midnight’s “Nocturnal.” Coupled with spot-on production and an inspired story behind it, “Solai” is likely to be a standout EP of the entire year.

Do not miss this EP! Top cuts – Alice, Faded Light, and City Glow

Check out the album below!

Solai by PYLOT

The Midnight stunned audiences in 2016 and 2017 with the releases “Endless Summer,” and “Nocturnal,” – each taking top spots in our end-of-year lists and garnering them one of the best known names in the genre of synthwave and retro music altogether. Now, after building immense hype with outstanding singles “America 2,” “Lost Boy,” and “Arcade Dreams,” their third glorious album, “Kids” has hit the digital shelves.

As usual, The Midnight’s dreamy synthwork on “Kids” is absolutely stellar and presented with a perfect mix and master. Their sound has been refined to and almost needle fine point which prods directly on our collective sentimental soft pots. Tyler Lyle’s vocals continually cut through the retro haze to deliver a poignant lyricism and deliver a nostalgia bomb directly to the ground-zero of our hearts.

In fact, the lyrics are likely the most notable part of this album. The Midnight looks back wistfully through rose tinted glasses lined with a snapshot of 1980’s mall and video game culture – but we’ve seen that many times before from various artists. “Kids” manages to be a singular experience as it approaches nostalgia in a more adult fashion, making a cultural statement instead of just regurgitating formulaic 80′ pastiche.

What’s different with “Kids” is that this sense of youthful nostalgia, the iconic 80’s childhood is juxtaposed against almost dystopian present day cultural references. The lyrics of “Wave” in particular laments our digital culture – the false sense of togetherness from mass media, the Tinder hookups, the student debt, the antidepressants and other drug use. “America 2” is a melancholic search for the American dream and finding only violence, hunger and struggle. Lyrics from the title track “Kids” offers a more metaphorical take, “We grow up And move away The seasons pass but the monsters stay.”

The effect is astounding, creating a stronger longing for the past than ever before and marking one of the first new-generation synthwave acts to truly try and make a cultural statement bookended and contextualized by nostalgia.

The only drawback to this album is it’s length. While “Endless Summer” clocked in at 12 tracks and no interludes, “Kids,” not counting “Youth” and “Saturday Mornings,” and only counting “Kids” once, comes in at 6 tracks – that’s fewer songs than the “Nocturnal” EP. Not helping matters is the fact that three of those cuts were already released before the album.

All in all, “Kids” is a fantastic album, save for the length. Top tracks: “Wave,” “Kids (Reprise),” and “America 2.”

Kids by The Midnight

The Los Angeles based Synth sensation The Midnight is back with a stunning new EP, “Nocturnal.”

2016’s “Endless Summer” was a breakout hit for wonder-duo of producer Tim McEwan and singer/songwriter Tyler Lyle – an instant favorite for fans and reviewers alike, even earning our #2 spot on albums of the year when it came time to do lists. As one can imagine, many fans have been eagerly awaiting their next release – and “Nocturnal” is sure to please.

If “Endless Summer” was a teen romance, “Nocturnal” is a very grown-up late night affair with a nice dash of heartbreak. The Midnight has managed the much coveted feat of retaining their signature warm and passionate retro sound while also updating it to new heights. As the name implies, this EP does feel a bit heavier at times, giving the tracks more of an edge – while staying away completely from traditional “dark” aesthetics. Think of it as The Midnight after dark.

“Nocturnal” feels like a neon-soaked city in a heavy rainstorm – it can be a touch ominous at times – but then we feel an instant reprieve from the likes of an amorous singing saxophone – particularly fantastic on “Crystalline” – or the beautiful Nikki Flores vocals on “Light Years.” These lighter, longing elements perfectly augment the thrumming basslines, calling to mind the feeling of lost love. “Nocturnal” is, in short, a splendid mix of mystery, passion, and heartache.

Lyle’s vocals have also improved – somehow – over their already near-perfect delivery on “Endless Summer.” They are more mature, more melodic and feature more resolution, giving each track an identifiable iconic soundtrack feel. This EP also features a fantastic collaboration with none other than Timecop1983 – “River of Darkness.” If you liked “Equaliser (Not Alone)” you’ll likely love this track.

All in all, “Nocturnal” is a fantastic addition to The Midnight’s body of work that features an interesting take on their already well-developed sound. If you’re a fan of their previous work, you certainly won’t be disappointed. If you weren’t a fan – you likely will be now.

Top Tracks: “Nocturnal,” “Crystalline,” and “River of Darkness.”

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