This week’s Playlist of the Week is Hovercar Radio: Synthwave/Retrowave/Dark Synth. It’s compiled by Alex Pope, the Bristol based producer behind Dark Smoke Signal, an 80s-inspired synthwave and electronica act. He’s a bass-playing multi-instrumentalist who has been involved in a number of other projects, such as the Hot Freaks. He’s only released a couple of tracks so far under the Dark Smoke Signal moniker, but they’re very well made. If you only listen to one, check out The Big Stage: it’s worth it for the stunning bassline alone, but there’s far more to it. Imagine a synth-pop mashup of Daft Punk, Gorillaz and Kids in America by Kim Wilde and you should be getting close.

This playlist is unabashedly retro. It kicks off with the titles of Blade Runner by Vangelis.  There’s a strong synthwave element running through it, as you might expect, peppered with artists such as Kavinsky, Kalax, Com Truise and Daft Punk as well as the odd 80s classic track. In addition, there are plenty of tracks by artists you might not have heard before.