Synthetic Villains is the electronic music project of Richard Turner, whose self-titled debut was self-released in March 2020. It received 8/10 from Louder Than War, was a Bandcamp Electronic New & Notable.

For Obstacle Navigation (so named to describe the determination required in life, journeys, and even the process of getting to make the album itself), the aim was to get things more finely honed. The result is 10 tracks in just under 45 minutes made with various drum machines, synths and a collection of electronic percussion augmented by electric and acoustic guitars (processed via violin bows, Ebows, effects pedals) as well as electrified zithers, bass guitar, a GDR transister organ and even an Early Learning Centre keyboard.