The Top 10 Synthwave Albums of 2023:

10. Along by demin

9. Slow Tapes by l y n x

8. Rogue by Wice

7. Axiom by PYLOT

6. First Person Shooter (Original Documentary Soundtrack)
by Various Artists

5. Premi​è​re Anthologie by Adieu Aru

4. Data Fire by Korizon

3. Between the Moon and Stars by Futurecop!

2. Unicorn by Gunship

1. Wavefinder by Sferro & Makeup and Vanity Set

Honorable Mentions

TRIFECTA by A.L.I.S.O.N, VIQ, Krosia

Katarsi by Katarsi

(Not really synthwave, but this is just too good to ignore!)

Evenings 夕​暮​れ Vol. 1 by Hotel Pools

Below is the list of our top 10 collaborations from this year from some of the best acts in the scene….

10. Dreamreaper & MAGNAVOLT – BLOODRAVE

9. Earmake & Stilz – Artifact Hunt

8. ALEX & Mono Memory – SOCIAL MEDIOCRITY

7. Futurecop! – Home (feat. Parallels)

6. Fury Weekend & Ollie Wride – Soul Survivor

5. All the Damn Vampires – I Can’t Go (feat. Mint Simon & Sunglasses Kid)

4. DRYVE – 80s Song (feat. Cassiopeia)

3. Josh Dally & Timecop1983 – Take Me Back

2. PYLOT – Invisible (feat. Ezra Hyte)

1. Miami Nights 1984 – Only When It’s Dark (feat. Gunship)

We had heard some fantastic singles ahead of release from Waveshaper, Wice, and Powerglove with PYLOT, and I am pleased to report that the rest of the album stacks up against their quality. Easily the best in the trilogy, each artist on this magnificent compilation has truly brought their A-game, contributing some new instant-favorites to Magnatron 3.

It really is not exaggeration to say that “Magnatron 3” hits harder than ever before. Each track feels bigger, more epic, more intense, with each artist giving the series a fitting finale.
Each previous Magnatron release has had sci-fi themes, but with Magnatron III the sci-fi synth leads seem to blend more with nostalgic tones such as in “Tyrael” from Tokyo Rose, or in “Grit Rewired” from DEADLIFE.

The combination of more nostalgia with the retro futurist themes, heavy basslines and danceable kicks really makes “Magnatron III” stand out more than ever before as the best synthwave in the scene. Easily the best in the trilogy! At the time of this writing there is still some physical merch left – but it’s sure to be gone soon!

Click here for physical merch from Bandcamp – Click here for other streaming services.

Dropping next Friday, July 24th, “Magnatron III” is jam-packed with absolute fire tracks from some of the best hand-picked artists in the retro synthwave scene. Just listening to the gleaming production of first three singles (Waveshaper – Vivid Stars/ Wice – Interstellar / Power Glove & PYLOT – AEON) is proof-in-pudding that Magnatron III is going to be an absolute banger! With genres ranging from dreamwave to synthwave to darksynth and everything in-between, This synthwave compilation is set to be stuffed with a track for everyone.

Initial pre-sales of rare bundles are already sold out – but fear not! We’re adding more to the store at 9:30AM EST tomorrow via NRW Records. This will include standalone items in larger amounts and different colorways. – https://NRWRecords.lnk.to/MagnatronIII

Tracklist:

1. Wice – Interstellar
2. Waveshaper – Vivid Stars
3. Zombie Hyperdrive – Ghostwalker
4. Absolute Valentine – Magnatron Engaged
5. STRAPLOCKED – Active Aggression
6. ALEX – SAMUS ARAN
7. Power Glove & PYLOT – AEON
8. Tonebox – Pulsar Blast
9. TOKYO ROSE – Tyrael
10. F.O.O.L – The Truth
11. Daniel Deluxe – Frontier
12. Sandman – Destiny Unknown
13. Donbor – Brume
14. DEADLIFE – Grit Rewired
15.Turboslash – Phantom
16. ORAX – Shelter
17. Kick Puncher – Last Resolve
18. Volkor X – Aftermath

Magnatron / Magnatron III / Magnatron 3

“Aeon” is a deliciously cinematic, devilishly downtempo track from the insane duo of  Power Glove and PYLOT.  The atmosphere and in this single is cranked up to 11, and makes for an instant must-listen.

“Interstellar” from long time NRW artist Wice was the very first single to be released – and it’s intense driving synths are pure hype! Combined with a touch of 80s power guitar licks and interesting nostalgic chord progressions, this track sounds more like a molten dancefloor than a neon city drive.

Even I don’t get to hear the Magnatron series ahead of time, but with these two singles being our first hints at Magnatron III – my expectations are incredibly high. Grab a listen to both singles on the Bandcamp here!

Pre-Save the 2nd Magnatron III single today: https://NRWRecords.lnk.to/AEON

Listen to the first single here.

Feast your eyes on the visuals below. Animated by Blood+Chrome and releasing on June 22nd, along with the single. Prepare for greatness.

“In a distant 1980’s future, America’s last ninja must save the First Daughter of the United States from the Supreme Leader of North Korea. It throws every 80’s pop culture icon at you from ninjas, nazi’s, lasers, kung fu, giant robots, and off-world excursions.”

Available free to stream on youtube, Escape from North Korea is reminiscent of the widely acclaimed Kung Fury. We’ve been hearing fantastic things about this radical short film for quite a while as it has won numerous awards from film festivals around the world, and we’re quite excited to finally lay eyes on the finished product. Check it out below, or support indie filmmakers by ordering a physical copy 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