KAVINSKY — 1986

Kavinsky – 1986 is a fresh 12-inch offering from Record Makers, catalogue number REC037, arriving in the classics-electro vein. Issued on 8 August 2022, this repress gathers five strong electro-influenced cuts that echo the synth-driven nostalgia of the mid-80s while delivering a punchy groove for contemporary decks. Within the Record Makers roster, 1986 sits ahead of a series of upcoming releases, including Turzi & Gage’s “Drop!” (REC234, 2026) and several further Kavinsky statements such as the “Outrun – Deluxe Edition” (REC086LTD, 2026) and the “Outrun LP” (REC086, 2026). The label’s forward trajectory suggests 1986 helps to sustain the momentum of its electro-centric output while the artist continues to flesh out the catalogue. Side A opens with “wayfarer”, a track that immediately stakes a claim with a driving rhythm that feels suited to early-set energy. It is followed by “dero cruiser”, which maintains the momentum but shifts the mood into a slightly more reflective space, creating a natural ebb before the third cut. “testarossa – sebastian rmx” closes the side, offering a reinterpretation that adds a subtle twist to the original theme, positioning the side as a compact journey from kinetic thrust to nuanced variation. Side B begins with “flashback”, a piece that leans into the retro aesthetic suggested by its title, delivering a groove that works well for late-night transitions. The final cut, “grand canyon”, expands the sonic palette, providing a broader, open-ended feel that can serve as a closing statement or a springboard into deeper, atmospheric territory. In the context of Kavinsky’s discography, 1986 follows a prolific period that saw the “ZENITH EP” (REC194, 2022) and the “Reborn LP” (REC190, 2022) earlier in the year, and precedes the “Teddy Boy EP” (REC24, 2023) and “Nightcall” (REC65, 2022). This placement underscores the artist’s consistent engagement with the Record Makers imprint, reinforcing a signature sound that blends cinematic synth textures with club-ready drive. For DJs, the record offers a versatile toolkit: the opening side supplies tight, rhythm-centric tracks ideal for building momentum, while the B-side provides moodier moments that can be layered into deeper sets. Collectors will appreciate the cohesive electro aesthetic and the way each cut references the broader 80s synth tradition without sacrificing modern punch. The release is pressed on a standard 12-inch vinyl, matching the format of Kavinsky’s recent output on Record Makers. Its analog presentation ensures the warm fidelity that fans of the genre expect from a well-cut record. Kavinsky – 1986, Record Makers REC037, 12-inch vinyl, five tracks, electro/classics, released 8 August 2022. Tracklist: A1. Kavinsky – wayfarer A2. Kavinsky – dero cruiser A3. testarossa – sebastian rmx B1. Kavinsky – flashback B2. Kavinsky – grand canyon