Plastic Horizon - The Last Highway animated

Plastic Horizon: “The Last Highway” – A Cinematic Darkwave Anthem

March 17, 2026

The Last Higway by Plastic Horizon - cover art

Plastic Horizon: “The Last Highway”

A cinematic darkwave anthem built for a late-night drive into the unknown.

The latest release from Plastic Horizon is here. Titled “The Last Highway,” this atmospheric track bridges the gap between cinematic darkwave and driving outrun. Released under the Overlook Hotel Records banner, it is a high-energy composition that begs to be played at a high volume with the windows down.

Building the Atmosphere

Opening with a synthesizer arp progression, “The Last Highway” immediately establishes a mood of tension and mystery. The track finds a unique middle ground in the synthwave genre, blending the upbeat, driving momentum of outrun with lush, gothic darkwave elements.

As the arrangement builds, the tension ultimately releases into explosive chorus sections. Here, the track introduces 1980s style guitars and harmonized dual power leads, giving the composition a heavy edge that pushes it firmly into rock-infused territory. It is a dynamic journey that eventually opens up into an expansive, sweeping bridge before accelerating toward a massive final chorus.

The aesthetic is mirrored perfectly by its striking cover art, featuring the silhouette of a Lamborghini Countach speeding down a neon blue grid away from a glowing digital sunrise.

Vintage Textures and Sound Design

Creating this expansive cinematic space of fifty different tracks requires a dense, carefully crafted mix. The melodic foundation of “The Last Highway” relies heavily on the renowned U-He Diva synthesizer, celebrated for its incredible analog warmth and presence.

Additional layers and textures are powered by Cherry Audio instruments, ensuring a rich and varied frequency spectrum. Furthermore, several of the lush, vintage sounding patches featured in the track were expertly designed by Oblivion Sound Lab. Together, these tools build an authentic retro character that gives the track its massive, cinematic scope.

Stream and Support

You can experience the rush of “The Last Highway” right now. Stream the track via Spotify or support the project directly by purchasing the high-quality download from Bandcamp below.

#PlasticHorizon #TheLastHighway #Darkwave #Outrun #Synthwave #UHeDiva

Stream & Download

Recommendations

Music, News, Releases

Try It: New 70s Library Funk by Cinema Groove Collective

January 5, 2026

Cinema Groove Collective – Try It

Try It single cover art by Cinema Groove Collective

Out now on Overlook Hotel Records

Cinema Groove Collective has officially released their latest single, Try It. This track is a dedicated homage to the golden era of 1970s library funk, channeling the spirit of grainy film aesthetics, high-speed car chases, and the gritty atmosphere of vintage cop show soundtracks. If you appreciate authentic groove music with a cinematic edge, Try It was made for you.

The Groove and The Low End

The standout feature of this release is undoubtedly the bass work. The track spotlights the remarkable playing of Dutch musician Ralph van der Heijden. His performance is a masterclass in “in-the-pocket” playing, deep, melodic, and driving. From the very first bar, his bass line locks in with the drums to provide a solid, unwavering foundation that allows the rest of the instrumentation to breathe and shine. It is this rhythm section interplay that gives the track its undeniable forward momentum.

What is “Library Funk”?

For those unfamiliar with the term, “Library Music” refers to production music created for film, television, and radio licensing in the 1960s and 70s. Labels like KPM, De Wolfe, and Bruton Music hired top-tier session musicians to record thousands of tracks that ranged from orchestral sweeps to hard-hitting funk.

These records, originally meant for industry use only, became holy grails for hip-hop producers and vinyl collectors decades later. Try It captures the specific “needle-drop” energy of that era, music that feels like it was lifted straight from a dusty reel found in a London archive.

The Analog Production Process

Produced and arranged at Overlook Hotel Records, the recording process for Try It focused heavily on texture and authenticity. To achieve that specific 1975 sound, the production leans into warm, analogue-leaning saturation.

The mix is characterized by tight, dry drums, brassy accents that punch through the mix, and a slight “tape saturation” that adds to the vintage character. By avoiding the pristine, digital sheen of modern pop production, the Cinema Groove Collective ensures that the listener is transported back in time the moment the play button is pressed.

Full Credits

Bass & Instrumentation: Ralph van der Heijden
Keyboards & Percussion: Kevin Hartnell
Production, Arrangement, Mixing, & Mastering: Kevin Hartnell at Overlook Hotel Records
Project: Cinema Groove Collective
Release Date: October 1, 2025
Catalog Number: R237-119

You can stream Try It now on Spotify and all major streaming platforms. Add it to your playlist today and keep the funk alive.

Stream and Download

(Bandcamp Player Placeholder)

Recommendations

You might also enjoy the following tracks from our artists roster:

Press Play

Music, News, Records

Locked In Motion single art by Plastic Horizon

Locked In Motion: New Synthwave Single by Plastic Horizon

December 19, 2025

Plastic Horizon has officially released the highly anticipated new single Locked In Motion. Drawing heavily on classic outrun and synthwave influences, this track represents a bold step forward for the project, blending 1980s nostalgia with modern production techniques.

A Deep Dive into Locked In Motion

If you are a fan of driving rhythms and neon-soaked atmospheres, Locked In Motion delivers exactly what you are looking for. The track is built around a relentless bassline that propels the listener forward, layered with shimmering synth textures that evoke images of late-night drives and retro-futuristic cityscapes.

One of the standout moments in the track is the bridge. Plastic Horizon strips back the dense layers for a percussion-focused breakdown that adds dynamic contrast without interrupting the song’s forward momentum. It is a technique that keeps the energy high from start to finish.

About Plastic Horizon

As a key artist on the Overlook Hotel Records roster, Plastic Horizon continues to produce music that resonates with fans of the Retrowave and Dreamwave genres. Locked In Motion follows a string of successful releases that have defined the artist’s signature sound: emotive melodies paired with kinetic energy.

Stream & Download Locked In Motion

The single is available now on all major platforms. You can support the artist directly by purchasing the track on Bandcamp or streaming it on Spotify. Add it to your driving playlist today and experience the rush of Locked In Motion.

Stream & Download

Recommendations

You might also enjoy the following tracks from our artists roster:

Music, News, Records

Silent Apparatus – Berlin: High-Octane Electronic Rock

November 24, 2025

Silent Apparatus: “Berlin”

Kevin Hartnell presents “Berlin,” the first high-octane single from the electronic project Silent Apparatus. Sitting at the intersection of Synthwave, Cyberpunk, and Electronic Rock, this track channels the mechanical energy of the “Berlin School” but updates it with the aggression of modern darkwave.

Clocking in at 110 BPM, “Berlin” establishes an immediate “night drive” atmosphere, a soundtrack for a high-speed chase through a neon-lit futuristic city. The production is anchored by a rolling, 16th-note synth bassline that blends classic arpeggiation while drums and punchy percussion from a Cherry Audio CR-78 cuts through the mix.

Production Notes

This session was an exercise in “less is more,” utilizing only 19 tracks to achieve its cinematic sound. The bright arp and bell leads were crafted using Baby Audio’s BA-1 and U-He Diva, providing a sharp contrast to the low-end weight. To push the track into “rock” territory, big power chords were recorded using a Gibson SG Special, adding a visceral, organic layer to the electronic foundation.

“Berlin” captures the nostalgia of the 80s but hits with the weight of modern production, making it equally suitable for a sci-fi stream or a dark highway drive.

#SilentApparatus #ElectronicRock #Synthwave #Darkwave #KevinHartnell

Stream & Download

Recommendations

Music, News, Releases

The Sounds of Nightmares 9 by Kevin Hartnell - cover art

The Sounds of Nightmares 9: Original Horror Score for Campfire Radio Theater

October 21, 2025

The Sounds Of Nightmares 9: Music Composed For Campfire Radio Theater

Kevin Hartnell presents “The Sounds of Nightmares 9,” featuring 33 tracks of original music composed for the horror anthology podcast Campfire Radio Theater. This volume spans centuries of terror, moving from the neon-lit pulse of a modern crime city to the fog-drenched moors of 19th-century England.

This collection features scores from three distinct tales: “Blood Drive,” “Hollow Born,” and “October Gods.” My connection with Campfire Radio Theater continues to be a creative highlight, allowing me to explore diverse musical landscapes, from the sinister beats of a nightclub to the atmospheric dread of a haunted estate.

Please consider supporting the show by listening to the full episodes where these tracks appeared at Campfire Radio Theater.

The Sounds of Nightmares 9: what this volume covers

This release showcases the series’ ability to jump between sub-genres. “Blood Drive” required a driving, rhythmic score to match a sinister urban underworld. “Hollow Born” shifts to a gothic, classical texture suited for 19th-century survival horror. Finally, “October Gods” delivers pure seasonal folk horror with a hint of Burtonesque vibes, capturing the wrath of an entity lurking in a pumpkin patch.

Below, you can play the episodes directly on the page. If you prefer to jump straight to listening to the scores, use the Spotify and Bandcamp embeds at the bottom. Bandcamp is also the best option if you want to support the work directly.

Blood Drive

In the midst of a crime infested city, a lone uber driver’s late-night fare takes a terrifying turn when her passenger leads them to a dance club pulsing with sinister secrets.

Hollow Born

On the haunted moors of 19th century England, blood and legacy awaken something buried and long forgotten beneath the dreaded House of Whitmore.

October Gods

A rebellious teen defies the rigid rules of a small town’s mysterious pumpkin patch, unleashing a wrathful entity.

Listen to the Scores

If you prefer uninterrupted listening, use the full-album players below. Spotify is convenient for streaming and playlists. Bandcamp is ideal if you want high-quality playback and direct support. If you are sharing the release, linking to this page is also useful because it keeps the episode scores and album players in one place.

Stream & Download

Recommendations

#AudioDrama #Horror #Soundtrack #Score #CampfireRadioTheater #KevinHartnell

Audio Drama, Music, News, Podcasting, Releases

Meridian Drift single cover art by Plastic Horizo

Meridian Drift: New Dreamwave Single by Plastic Horizon

September 4, 2025

Plastic Horizon invites listeners to slow down and look upward with the release of the new single, Meridian Drift. Moving away from high-octane beats, this track leans heavily into a slower, dreamy synthwave atmosphere, offering a sonic escape for those seeking reflection.

A Journey Into Dreamwave

Meridian Drift is a journey into mood. It features shimmering textures and lush, reverb-heavy pads that evoke the feeling of a late-night drive under a canopy of stars. The production focuses on space and depth, allowing the listener to drift along with the melody rather than being pushed by it.

This release captures the essence of the “chillwave” and “dreamwave” sub-genres, prioritizing emotion and atmosphere over aggression. It is a track designed to transport you toward an ocean of stars and the limitless horizons beyond.

Listen & Support

Released by Overlook Hotel Records, this single adds a serene chapter to the Plastic Horizon catalog. It stands as a testament to the versatility of synth music, proving that quiet moments can be just as powerful as loud ones.

Stream Meridian Drift Now

Meridian Drift is available now on all major streaming platforms. You can support the artist directly by purchasing the track on Bandcamp or streaming it on Spotify using the players below.

Stream & Download

Recommendations

You might also enjoy the following tracks from our artists roster:

Music, News, Records

Rainswept Skyline single cover art by Plastic Horizon

Rainswept Skyline: New Synthwave Single by Plastic Horizon

September 4, 2025

Plastic Horizon invites you to take a walk through a digital city with the release of the new single, Rainswept Skyline. This track leans heavily into a late-night, reflective synthwave atmosphere, combining lush, layered pads with a steady, driving groove that feels like a lonely drive down a neon-lit highway.

From High-Fidelity to 8-Bit Dreams

The defining moment of Rainswept Skyline comes in its final minute. As the main melody fades, the track undergoes a unique sonic transformation. The high-fidelity production slowly dissolves, degrading bit by bit until the listener is left in a completely different world.

This closing section features an 8-bit-inspired fade that shifts the mood entirely toward a retro-digital space. It creates a dreamlike effect, pulling the listener into a pixelated world where it is raining in a city at night, a perfect sonic representation of 1990s video game nostalgia meeting modern synthwave production.

Release Details

Released via Overlook Hotel Records, this single continues Plastic Horizon’s exploration of narrative-driven electronic music. It stands out in the discography for its unique structural evolution and emotive storytelling without words.

Stream Rainswept Skyline Now

Rainswept Skyline is available now on all major streaming platforms. You can support the artist directly by purchasing the track on Bandcamp or streaming it on Spotify using the players below.

Stream & Download

Recommendations

You might also enjoy the following tracks from our artists roster:

Music, News, Records

Plastic Horizon - Friday the 13th cover art

Friday the 13th: New Darkwave Single by Plastic Horizon

September 4, 2025

On the ominous date of Friday, June 13, 2025, Plastic Horizon officially released the single Friday the 13th. Capturing the eerie essence of the date, this track delivers an atmospheric blend of retro-inspired synth textures and heavy darkwave tones.

A Soundtrack for Superstition

Few dates carry as much cultural weight as Friday the 13th, and Plastic Horizon leans heavily into this mystique. The track serves as a sonic nod to superstition, utilizing minor-key arpeggios and reverb-drenched percussion to create a soundscape that feels like it belongs in a vintage horror soundtrack.

While staying true to the project’s synthwave roots, this release explores darker territory. It moves away from neon sunsets and into the shadows, offering listeners a tense, cinematic experience that builds suspense from the first measure to the last.

Release Details

Released via Overlook Hotel Records, this single marks another distinct entry in the Plastic Horizon discography. It showcases the artist’s ability to shift moods, transitioning from high-energy outrun to brooding atmospheric composition.

Stream Friday the 13th Now

Friday the 13th is available now on all major streaming platforms. You can support the release by purchasing it directly on Bandcamp or streaming it on Spotify using the players below.

Stream & Download

Recommendations

You might also enjoy the following tracks from our artists roster:

Music, News, Records

One Red Arrow Part I Audiobook – Thrilling, Cinematic 2025 Release

August 21, 2025

One Red Arrow Part I audiobook and original score are now available – listen on Audible and stream the complete score below.

About the Story

One Red Arrow, Part I is a supernatural thriller that blends small town mystery with an unsettling force that hides in the woods. It follows Kay McQuinn as she returns to Owlsbourne, a town reshaped by the reach of BlackHole Pharmaceuticals. A strange encounter grants her an otherworldly gift, and with the help of Nick Knight she begins to unpick old legends, buried secrets, and a truth that is far darker than expected.

Synopsis

In the fall of 1989, Jonny Langley, a hunter from Owlsbourne, Connecticut, vanished without a trace. Three days later, he returned, disoriented and with no memory of what had happened to him.

No one suspected that Jonny’s disappearance would be connected to the bodies discovered more than three decades later.

In 2024, burned out artist Kay McQuinn returns to her decaying hometown. Owlsbourne is a shell of what it once was, its spirit gutted by the rise of BlackHole Pharmaceuticals, a corporation whose reach seems endless. With her life in freefall, Kay finds comfort in the woods and the McQuinn family tradition of bowhunting.

But one cold November morning, something finds her.

A surreal encounter leaves her with a strange, otherworldly power, and a glimpse into a darker reality just beneath the surface. As she struggles to understand what is happening to her, she turns to Nick Knight, a steady childhood friend.

Together, they must unravel the legends of the woods, uncover the secrets of BlackHole, and confront a truth far more sinister than either of them could have imagined.

Synopsis source: Amazon product listing

One Red Arrow Part I Audiobook

The full cinematic audiobook is live on Audible, with performance by Melissa Medina and sound design by John Ballentine. You can listen to the preview and begin the journey today. Start the One Red Arrow Part I audiobook on Audible now.

Listen on Audible

John Ballentine on the Production

Earlier this year, @cult.class approached me with an exciting opportunity to help produce an audiobook for her new novel. Once we got @melissamedinavo and @kevindhartnell on board, I knew we had the team to make Caitlyn’s pulse pounding story leap off the page. ONE RED ARROW, a thrilling supernatural adventure, is now live on Audible. Just listen to the preview and you will be hooked. Support this independent artist and writer.

From the Author

…I recently wrote my debut novel, One Red Arrow, Part I. It is a supernatural thriller and creature feature with a female lead. Every piece of art that I make carries a piece of me, and this book is no exception. It took three years to write.

The self promotion can feel tiring, although I believe in this story, and as an independent author and publisher sharing it myself is the way to bring it to readers. Every order matters and helps visibility. The novel is available anywhere you buy books online, and the full cinematic audiobook is on Audible…

Credits

Official Release: 21 August 2025
Author: @cult.class (Caitlyn Grabenstein)
Narration: @melissamedinavo (Melissa Medina)
Sound Design: @campfireradiotheater (John Ballentine)
Original Score: Kevin Hartnell
Format: Novel and cinematic audiobook

About the Score

The soundtrack is built almost entirely with synthesizers and with a touch of guitar. The tone is dark and retro futuristic with a current edge, inspired by classic genre work and by Stranger Things. One featured instrument is based on the Blaster Beam created by John Lazelle, which adds a resonant metallic presence that suits the atmosphere of the story.

Follow

@cult.class
@melissamedinavo
@campfireradiotheater
@kevindhartnell

Availability
The novel is available through major online booksellers. The One Red Arrow Part I audiobook is available on Audible.

Hashtags: #OneRedArrow #audiobook #audiobooklover #writersoninstagram #indieauthor #horror #supernatural #soundtrack #synthwave

Murkvael – The Ruins of Korraveth: Dark Ambient Music for D&D

August 1, 2025

The Ruins of Korraveth by Murkvael - cover art

Murkvael: “The Ruins of Korraveth”

Kevin Hartnell introduces Murkvael, a new dark ambient project rooted in ritual drone and medieval sonic textures. The debut single, “The Ruins of Korraveth,” is a slow descent into a vast ruined city swallowed by darkness and memory.

Clocking in at nearly seven minutes, this track was composed specifically for use in tabletop RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons, yet it stands on its own as a meditative exploration of decay. It evokes the slow rot of time, where melody yields to mood, and rhythm dissolves into ruin.

Designed for the Tabletop

“The Ruins of Korraveth” serves as a brooding backdrop for cursed ruins, ancient temples, or grim exploration scenes. It is designed to be loopable and unobtrusive, perfect for Game Masters looking to enhance immersion without distracting players from the narrative.

Ideal applications include:

Dungeon exploration scenes
Grimdark or horror campaigns
Solo journaling RPGs
Long-form ambient playlists

(Note: This track is free to use in private game sessions. For commercial streams, please provide a link back to this page.)

About Murkvael

Murkvael is the sound of forgotten crypts echoing with ancient hymns. Conjured from a background in horror scoring and narrative audio, this project crafts immersive atmospheres for cursed lands and lost realms beneath the earth. Each composition serves as an aural reliquary: dust-covered, blood-marked, and steeped in occult resonance.

#Murkvael #DarkAmbient #DungeonsAndDragons #TTRPG #FantasyMusic #OverlookHotelRecords

Stream & Download

Recommendations

#Murkvael #DarkAmbient #RPGMusic #DungeonsAndDragons #KevinHartnell

Music, News, Releases