Browsing Tag

80s Synth Pop

Peter Horton brought in an eccentric new wave of electro-pop with ‘Out of My Head’.

Posted on 18 April 2021

Before singer-songwriter and instrumentalist Peter Horton’s relocation from NYC to Tokyo, he performed with artists such as El Niño. After putting down roots in Japan and being inspired by the culture, he was ready to make his debut as a solo artist.

His debut album, Spirit of Inquiry, released in 2020, containing 20 tracks that meld elements of 00s alt-rock with 80s synth-pop. The lead track, Out of My Head, kicks off with angular indie jangle-pop riffs before the synths start to do the heavy lifting with the melodies while the guitars lace the soundscape with effervescently brash garage rock tones.

The eccentricity, combined with the sonic innovation, which Peter Horton brought to Out of My Head, will be a fresh experience for even the most discerning indie-pop fan. The lyrics are sure to resonate with anyone struggling to get back on track and feeling on top. Given that we have all just collectively endured a global pandemic, Peter Horton’s intended audience will have expanded exponentially.

You can check out Peter Horton’s debut album by heading over to Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

80s EBM meets RnB in Willy Matéo’s debut album, ‘I.D.’

Posted on 14 April 2021

Breaking RnB artist and producer Willy Matéo has made their debut with their entrancing album ‘I.D. (Internal Disturbance)’ which mixes a Billy Idol level of cool with intense techno beats and all of the soul of a classic RnB anthem.

The standout single, ‘iStandalone’ almost veers into the EBM arena, but with the smooth layering of the powerful vocals, the track stays true to the roots of RnB pop while allowing Willy Matéo to stamp down his signature style. It may be a fairly lo-fi production, but any fans of leftfield electronica won’t fail to fall in love with this 80s inspired track which wouldn’t be out of place on an OST to a David Lynch film.

Check out Willy Matéo’s album I.D. for yourselves by heading over to Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Manchester’s smoothest synthpop outfit MODELS will send you swooning back to the 80s with their latest single ‘Thriller’

Posted on 3 March 2021

Manchester-based newcomers, MODELS’, latest single, ‘Thriller,’ will send you swooning right back to the 80s. With glassy synths, RnB-style romanticism and intimate indie vibes, the three-piece were successful in creating a sweetly elysian soundscape which would have dancefloors swaying – if they were accessible right now. But the extended sax solo and the smooth rock n roll crooning is just as enamouring when hitting you through a pair of headphones.

The level of passion contained in Thriller could convert cynics into hopeless romantics. It’s a stunning release which will undoubtedly stand MODELS in good stead when venues in Manchester are safe to house their honeyed retro sound once again.

Thriller was officially released on February 14th you can check it out via SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Nothing to lose: The Call from Upstairs bring synth-pop wonder to ‘On My Way’

Posted on 8 February 2021

Bringing a soothing sonic soundscape that will have you reminiscing about you favorite bands back in the day, The Call from Upstairs ring into our ears with some fascinating inter-planetary sounds from yesteryear, on the brand new single called ‘On My Way‘.

Orange County-based indie-pop/rock/synth outfit The Call from Upstairs, make that intriguing 80’s sound and blend it into the new age with a masterful performance. They take us to another planet here and you this is a song that will have you looking outside your window a bit closer tonight.

Like an illuminating light and catchy pop daydreams, this is the story about having nothing to lose and following your desires to get out of this situation, as you miss them so much. They say that they need you but you don’t truly believe them, as something is being hidden away from you. You don’t have much to lose so are going to follow your heart anyway and give this a try- despite what your gut tells you.

With calming vocals, they manage to lift the mood and give us a throwback song that makes this one of the more exciting songs of 2021 for fans of this genre.

‘On My Way‘ from Anaheim, California indie pop/synth act The Call from Upstairs, is like that song you have heard before but isn’t. They fuse a melodic firework of electricity into a mysterious blend of sounds, that will cause currents in your household to spark through your wires. They are a truly unique group that blow the mind and make you feel calmer and somehow a bit paranoid too.

Hear this unique new single on Spotify and see their story on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Lina and the Lions – This Fire: 80s Synthpop with a K-Pop Kick

Posted on 30 January 2021

‘This Fire’ is the first single to be released from the forthcoming debut album ‘Second Nature’ by UK-based artist Lina and the Lions which revives the New Wave 80s Pop sound with a K-Pop kick.

With shimmering glassy synths and melodic hooks, sharp enough to ensure that this entrancing earworm isn’t easily forgotten, fans of 80s Pop and contemporary dark Pop alike are going to encounter a playlist staple when they delve into this amorously visceral and stylistic release.

The instrumentals may be cutting and atmospheric, but Lina Lane’s soulfully effervescent art-pop vocals burst through and demonstrate her ability to make higher pitches resonate with infectiously high-energy soul. It’s hard not to get excited about the potential of Lina and the Lions. They’ll be releasing their album gradually over 2021. Get them on your radar.

This Fire is available to stream via Spotify now. For more information on Lina and the Lions head over to their official website.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Lonely City (Feat. Brett Durnell) take us straight back to the ‘80’s with Cobra Kai and ‘Johnny’

Posted on 26 January 2021

After years of playing guitar in rock bands, Seattle, WA., artist Logan Johnson decided enough was enough, and it was time to follow the 1980’s synthwave dream. The result is Lonely City and new single ‘Johnny’, 3’45” of synthrock epic, heavily reverb-soaked drums, rolling bassline and synth lines, and a catchy, storytelling vocal line.

And here we go, finally, the story of Cobra Kai set to music, 1980’s action hero getting the full Lonely City treatment. It’s a perfect mash up of inspiration and appreciation, the official lyric video adding to the whole ‘Tron’-era aesthetic with rolling neon and Street Fighter-esque graphics.

Check out the video for ‘Johnny’ on YouTube, and follow the artist on BandCamp.

Review by Alex Holmes

Jeffrey Chan proves why he’s a worthy contender for breakthrough artist of the year with his single ‘Try’

Posted on 15 December 2020

‘Try’ is the latest sultrily slick, amorously entrancing Pop single from singer-songwriter Jeffrey Chan which follows on from the release of his instant 2020 hit ‘Glow’ which garnered over 100,000 streams shortly after the release.

Many artists had their worlds turned upside down during the lockdown, but with their soulfully resolving approach to punchy danceable Pop, it’s no surprise that so many people were drawn to the magnetism within Jeffrey Chan’s sound.

Timelines converge in Try as the romanticism of 80’s Synthpop coalesces with the futurism in the Australian artist’s signature sound. It is so much more than a meeting of past and future, it’s a testament of ingenuity and the artist’s ability to get dopamine pumping as hard as the rhythmically ensnaring beats. With their distinguishably seductive vocals and euphorically-crafted sound, Jeffrey Chan definitely has what it takes to be the breakthrough artist of the year.

You can check out Try for yourselves by heading over to Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

All in the Nothing – Better This Way: A Debut Any Fans of the Cure Need to Listen To

Posted on 4 September 2020

“Better This Way” is the mesmerising debut single from Indie artist All in the Nothing. Hit play and prepare for a flood of synthy 80s nostalgia complete with a smorgasbord of contemporary appeal.

You’ll find nuances of The Cure, Bowie and The Midnight, but in its essence, Better This Way is an organically expressive single which is all too easy to slip into and appreciate the ingenuity alongside the visceral undiluted romanticism. It’s laden with lovelorn melancholy, but it won’t fail to hit the evocative spot and leave your soul suitably appeased.

We’re already stoked to hear what’s in the pipeline from All in the Nothing, We’d suggest you get them on your radar too.

You can check out Better This Way via YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

The China Blue has unleashed their latest Synthpop Earworm Always on My Mind

Posted on 27 July 2020
https://soundcloud.com/thechinablue/always-on-my-mind

US artist and producer The China Blue has recently dropped their most evocatively hypnotic Synthpop single yet with Always on My Mind.

With the euphoric vibe, the hazy yet intricate production and the level of atmosphere weaved into the Pop hit, don’t be surprised if the perennial Pop earworm worms its way onto your contemporary Synthpop playlists after the first hit.

The up and coming artist may have borrowed an element or two from 80s Synthpop with the retro synth lines, but Always on My Mind doesn’t just hit the contemporary mark, it glides right past it thanks to the tangible ingenuity which The China Blue used to orchestrate this sweetly amorous soul-steeped single.

You can check out Always on My Mind for yourselves by heading over to SoundCloud now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Erik Eimiller has released their seductively stylish Indie Synth Pop debut single “Cross the Ocean”

Posted on 19 July 2020

After amassing plenty of acclaim for his percussion skills, New York artist Erik Eimiller has made their solo debut with the seductively stylish Alt Pop single Cross the Ocean.

Along with the infectiously melodic synth-carved hooks, you’ll hear the rhythmic grit of the Indie instrumentals which add even more energy to the entrancing soundscape. Cross the Ocean may share a reminiscence or two with 80s Synth Pop. Yet, perceptibly, Erik Eimiller has made the sound his own through the expressively magnetic vocals and the discernibly solid structure of the mix which won’t fail to arrest your rhythmic pulses.

If you’re looking for an aural pick me up which drips organic feel-good vibes, look no further.

You can check out Erik Eimiller’s single for yourselves by heading over to Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast