10. Molchat Doma – S Krish Nashih Domov

This Molchat Doma sound is a virtuoso mix of Alphaville, New Order and The Cure. almost every track on this album feels iconic in a familiar, but also foreign way. Although it is sung entirely in Slavic, the sad, nostalgic themes still resonate deeply.

9. Kalax – Kalax

A new, enhanced retro feel makes this truly dreamy dreamwave feel much more nostalgic than the previous releases from Kalax – almost wistful at times. The result is an astounding release of synthwave that bears a beautiful cinematic quality like Kavinsky or College.

8. Mega Drive – The Grid

This dark and futuristic album perfectly embodies cyberpunk. The dense, uptempo tracks meld perfectly with ambient features on this album, creating a complete soundscape for some mysterious dystopian city.

7. ALEX & Tokyo Rose – AKUMA

ALEX and Tokyo Rose perfectly compliment one another’s style on this groundbreaking darkwave/outrun album.  In spite of being dark, “Akuma’s” melodies feel more retro than it’s contemporaries, creating a rare form of nostalgia.

6. FM attack – Stellar

While his previous albums drew heavily from disco and had a more upbeat and dance feel, “Stellar” is steeped in postpunk and new wave vibes. This updated sound is unique and fantastic, creating a more wistful and nostalgic feel to the signature FM Attack sound.

5. HOME – Resting State

This interesting album is comprised of an astounding 35 demo tracks. In spite of this, they manage to be just as interesting and full-bodied as much of his more fleshed out work. If these are just demos, we can’t wait to hear whats coming next!

4. Various Artists – Magnatron 2.0

Powerful and dark, this compilation manages to be cohesive in spite of containing 16 very different and monstrously amazing artists.

3. Com Truise – Iteration

“Iteration” signals a tonal shift from Haley’s previous work. It feels more lachrymose and less hard sci-fi than his previous releases. This does not feel arrived at by way of nostalgia but instead from melancholy and heartbreak – a fitting end to a long journey.

2. Dan Terminus – Automated Refrains

This album is one of the darkest, most complex we’ve heard all year. Dan Terminus manages to elicit complex nostalgic melodies and a pitch-perfect retro-futuristic vibe through HEAVY synths – an accomplishment to be lauded. Top it off with a couple lighter, almost ambient tracks and you have a well rounded and well deserved top spot for “Automated Refrains.”

 

1. Lazerhawk – Dreamride

The synthwave demigod has returned in full force. Dreamrider suffuses Lazerhawk’s years of producer expertise and creates a thoroughly complete body of work that is in every way more than the sum of its parts. Lazerhawk’s mastery of the form is undeniable.

Special Mentions

Master Boot Record  – INTERRUPT REQUEST

Meteor – Inner Demon

10. Morgan Willis – Turbo Flash

French producer Morgan Willis kicked off March of 2017 by dropping one of the most atmospheric releases of the year in EP Turbo Flash. The music on the six track release is frequently chilled out, but never anything short of vibrant.

https://morganwillisofficial.bandcamp.com/album/turbo-flash

9. Nightcrawler – Jaegermeister Galaxy Hunter

The end of 2017 saw a flurry of stellar releases, with Nightcrawler’s latest EP rivaling his full length for best dark synthwave release of the year. The skill with which Nightcrawler makes his songs and the ear for infectious melodies he has makes this a release that would charm darksynth’s biggest detractors.

https://nightcrawler.bandcamp.com/album/j-germeister-galaxy-hunter

8. Undervatten – Politics

Undervatten’s skill at crafting songs that are equal parts strange and memorably catchy can’t be overstated. Undervatten’s October release of Politics without a doubt makes this an artist to watch in 2018. This EP’s already instantly recognizable style is going to be worth seeking out.

https://newretrowave.bandcamp.com/album/politics

7. Renz Wild – Super Stereo Sound

Late November 2017 saw the release of Renz Wild’s deeply rhythmic and infectious EP Super Stereo Sound, a release where every sound occupies such a well defined sonic space and contributes to groove. Of the EP’s on this list, this might be the most difficult to sit still while listening.

https://future80s.bandcamp.com/album/super-stereo-sound

6. Michael Oakley – California

Which brings us here. It is absolutely ridiculous that California is Michael Oakley’s first EP. It is so fully realized, memorable, and unique that it will likely be one of the releases that converts strangers to the scene into synthwave fans. In another life, Michael Oakley must have been a pop sensation, because the hooks here are unbelievable. https://michaeloakleysynthwave.bandcamp.com/album/california

5. Midnight Driver – Discotek

Diskotek is just such an odd album that’s few of expectation defying moments — moments which litter just about every song. It’s a dynamic release that sees Midnight Driver doing things with synthwave that few if any other artists are trying, and the sheer inventiveness of the tracks makes the EP exhilarating to play loudly.

https://future80s.bandcamp.com/album/discotek

4. Turboslash – EP II

Put on any song from Turboslash’s EP II if you haven’t heard it yet. After about five seconds you need to pick your jaw up since it hit the floor about four seconds earlier. The songs Turboslash crafted are so high energy that it’s hard to come down after listening to the tense and euphoric 6 tracks that all work individual and as a cohesive whole.

https://newretrowave.bandcamp.com/album/ep-ii

3. Waveshaper – Velocity

It’s safe to say that any new Waveshaper music is going to be met with excitement, yet somehow Velocity still had a surprising amount of quality despite the amount of hype accumulated from last year’s incredible Station Nova. The EP shows Waveshaper at their most cinematic and shouldn’t be overlooked.

https://waveshaper1.bandcamp.com/album/velocity

2. Timecop1983 – Lovers pt. 2

2017 proved that a lot of things in this world are not as stable or predictable as you might have once thought. Take solace in knowing that you can always count on Timecop1983 to not only release good music, but release music that reminds you of how much you love synthwave in the first place, why you love synthwave, and the way that this music has such a powerful delivery when done right, and Lovers pt. 2 is this music being done by one of the best in the scene.

https://timecop1983.bandcamp.com/album/lovers-ep-part-ii

1. The Midnight – Nocturnal

LA-based The Midnight’s Nocturnal had some of the most romantic, dreamiest synthwave of the year, all with a vocal delivery that stands out in the scene. Within two minutes of opening track “Shadows”, there’s at least three parts of The Midnight’s production that inspire chills. Whether its his subtle use of synthy flourishes floating around his tracks, the larger-than-life grandiosity with which the music presents itself, or the way he’ll manipulate his own synth sounds or vocals that sound unique and standout in a year littered with incredible EPs. And if that wasn’t enough, he probably has the best use of a saxophone sound in the past two years in the scene.

https://themidnight.bandcamp.com/album/nocturnal

10. Bug!

Source: DC Comics

DC’s Young Animal line of comics is in 2017 what Image comics was in years past — acting as the cool and alternative brand of comics that can quickly let a room know how hip you are, even if this brand is a subset of one of the Big Two. Similarly to how the US network the CW uses superhero shows to pay the bills of its less watched, more mature content, DC’s more mainstream superhero comics allow Young Animal curator Gerard Way and his band of innovative comic creators to do much the same with a punk rock and experimental aesthetic. Few comics encapsulate what makes Young Animal as enticing as it is as Bug!: The Adventures of Forager has enough psychedelic mind bending wrapped in an Andy Warhol-meets-early-80’s-heroics that it’s obvious that writer Lee Allred and artist Mike Allred have made something special.

9. Robotech

Source: Den of Geek

After Gundam, few science fiction space opera anime have more prestige, acclaim, or following than Robotech. Titan Comics’ series returning to that iconic world has been filled with strong art from Marco Turini, but it’s Brian Wood’s writing that really puts the series into the next level of comics, to the point that it no longer feels like a licensed comic and becomes closer to essential reading for fans.

8. Misfit City

Source: Comixology

We covered Misfit City back when it debuted, and the Goonies-esque charm that the series revels in has only gotten stronger with time, as the incorporation of Astoria inspiration and post-Goonies reference points has created a world that NRW readers wouldn’t be able to help being won over by. What makes this comic truly great, however, is the cast of characters, a group of, well, misfits that would make any setting or plot instantly believable.

7. The Kamandi Challenge

Source: Weird Science DC Comics

The form that The Kamandi Challenge takes and the process by which it was made is arguably more impressive than the stories or art that it contains, but the strength of the stories and images shouldn’t be overlooked. This book saw an ever-rotating buffet of artists and writers giving love to an oft-overlooked DC character, and all in honor of Jack Kirby, a man whose influence on the medium is felt in nearly every facet of the artform today.

6. Black Hammer

Source: Twitter

Ever since Watchmen laid waste to the barrier between comics as pulpy fiction and literary narratives, a lot of comics have tried to take that post-modern torch and run with it to varying degrees of success, but few felt as true of successors to Alan Moore’s savage deconstruction of caped heroes quite like Jeff Lemire’s Black Hammer. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, as Lemire’s work on Bloodshot Reborn and The Nobody already proved that he’s one of the best comic writers of his generation. A memorable cast of characters makes this post-hero age series on of the most exciting comics of 2017.

5. Silver Surfer

Source: My Free Wallpapers

Few titles have warrented double takes when glancing at covers quite like Dan Slott’s Silver Surfer. From the cover to the core, Silver Surfer nails its aesthetic, which takes equal inspiration from Jim Starlin’s classic Marvel cosmic stories and Jack Kirby. Slott’s tale of the former herald of Galactus has been described as a “cosmic romance”, and its hard not to get hooked by the exciting story that he started around two years ago and finished this year.

4. Big Trouble in Little China / Escape From New York

Source: Screen Rant

This comic didn’t need to be as good as it was. In many ways, it had no business being as good as it was. From #1 to #6, the team behind the Big Trouble in Little Chine / Escape From New York crossover took the ball and ran with it. The two source materials are some of John Carpenter’s most tonally different titles, but a strong comedic sensibility, kinetic art, and lush coloring made this comic make sense, where a lesser creative team would have simply made fanfiction. It’s short, it’s sweet, and, above all, its a fulfilling comic.

3. Doom Patrol

Source: DC Comics

If Bug! was the sleeper hit of the Young Animal line, Doom Patrol has been its blockbuster. Penned by Young Animal curator Gerard Way, who is quickly making his work in My Chemical Romance something of a footnote in his comic book career, delivers a story that is a more than rightful heir to the throne vacated when Grant Morrison left the title decades ago. Doom Patrol is hard to summarize as far as plot goes, but instantly understandable when you jump into any issue. The narrative jazz is accompanied perfectly by the same kind of retro aesthetic that dominates Young Animal titles, but that feels particularly appropriate in this book.

2. Mech Cadet Yu

Source: Syfy

Mech Cadet Yu is a special comic. That might sound overly sentimental, but its hard to read it and not feel like you have something rare in front of your eyes. It has the kind of timelessness and immediate immersiveness that would make most science fiction stories envious. Greg Pak write protagonists with huge amounts of relatability as rule, but with Mech Cadet Yu, he delivers his best work as a writer.

1. The Power of the Dark Crystal

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Here’s a brutally honest opinion from somebody who reads way too many liscenced comics. Most comics that act as supplements to other forms of media are garbage. The comics on this list are exceptions, and this year few comics were as exceptional as The Power of the Dark Crystal. Not only was this comic the best retro-inspired comic series of 2017, it was, like the previous three entries on this list, one of the best comics in general of the entire year. Not only has author Simon Spurrier made the world that Jim Henson created feel as real and full of intricacies and stories in a way that only Henson himself was able to with the source material, but the art team of Kelly and Nichole Matthews has created one of the most visually impressive and gorgeous looking books in recent years, and one which fans of stories in general should read.

10. Com Truise – Iteration (Seth Haley)

Creating his own artwork, Seth Haley set himself apart from many others. Featuring a minimalist style and unique but still retro color scheme,  this album artwork is a perfect companion to his album.

9. Occams Laser – Ascension (Tom Stuart)

This album art was also created by Occams Laser himself, and looks like an authentic Gustave Doré engraving. Add in a faux record wear, and you have yourself a fantastic cover!

8. The Midnight – Nocturnal  (David Legnon)

The rainy windshield and cityscape in the background on the cover of this EP is just deluxe, and perfectly embodies what The Midnight’s “Nocturnal” sound is all about.

7. Alex – Youth – (Jaqueline Ruther)

This beautiful artwork earned it’s spot on the list for the ersatz plastic wrap gleam that cuts through the center of the art. Light can be difficult to work with – especially when reflecting off of unusual surfaces.

6. Dance with the Dead – B-Sides Vol 1.
(Mark R Kosobucki)

This artwork plays with perspective in an interesting way, and captures lots of small details. The upward view would be terrible on the living – but works well on rotted flesh and bone!

5. Ultraboss – Kyrie Electron  (Rolly Rocket)

This awesome illustration not only showcases Rolly’s eye for detail, it also portrays the Kyrie Electron Vision perfectly! The color and unique vision make this cover a vibrant masterpiece for the eyes.

4. Meteor – Inner Demon – (Jorge Reyes)

Not only does Meteor make fantastic synth, he makes his own art as well! Faces can be hard to do right – creating an exploded face with depth – that takes skill. Delightfully retro as well.

3. Dan Terminus – Automated Refrains
(Luca Carey)

The artwork from Luca Carey is always on-point. Their works are always complex, with amazing use of space and color – it wouldn’t be a top 10 album art without something from Carey.

2. Compilerbau – Tricksters Paradise
(Kuldar Leement)

This relatively simple, but very clean artwork earned a top spot because, according a physicist we contacted, the equations on the blackboard are real – and contain wave functions! Fantastic!

1. Robert Parker – Awakening (Florian Renner)

This fantastic cover art earned our #1 spot for the perfect mixture of style, simplicity, and smart use of contrasting pastel 80’s colors. This cover bleeds retro futurism cyberpunk without being kitschy – not an easy feat!

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

Perturbator – New Model (Long Pham)

Mega Drive – The Grid (David Demaret)

Night Raptor – Night Raptor EP  (Folgar)

10. September 87 – Bad Dream Baby

This hilarious music video finds September 87 in an alien studio, working with some quirky characters on their latest track.

9. Wice – Star Fighter

Nothing says “Retrowave” like a Testarossa blasting through futuristic sci-fi planets and cityscapes!

8. ALEX – Youth (feat. Rachel McAlpine)

Relatively simple, this video still manages to hit its mark. The beautiful scenery of this autopilot night drive perfectly matches the aesthetic of aging explored by the track’s lyrics.

7. Com Truise – Propagation

Simply Stepford Wives style murderous androids or a metaphorical look at how automation will destroy the working class? Whatever your take, this video is sure to tickle your eyeballs.

6. M.A.D.E.S – Nightkiller

“Nightkiller” is a dark, riff driven, yet melodic Synthwave original song dealing with the themes of nightmares, murder and things that go bumping in the night

5.  Anoraak – Last Call

Anoraak is back – the new video featuring a futuristic fight club. Who will survive?

4. Waveshaper – End of Space

This fantastic bit art video looks like it could be a full fledged game, and gives you glimpse behind the scenes of the Magnatron 2.0 album.

3. Timecop1983 – Girl (feat. SEAWAVES)

The Lovers EP was a smash-hit, so you know his music videos will be fantastic as well. This video seems straightforward at first, but there’s a twist is waiting at the end!

2. Trevor Something – Feel The Waves

Not only is this one of my personal favorite tracks of the year, but this original video is one of the best I’ve seen all year too! Animated and directed by Spencer Xavier with additional art + concepts by Linda Mota, this video feels like watching 80’s MTV – only somehow cooler. (Shout out to the absolutely SICK Le Voyage dans la Lune reference!)

1. Perturbator – Venger ft. Greta Link

The production quality on this video is astronomical – more of a short Blade Runner film than a music video. No need to say more – go watch it!

10. Mega Drive

Presenting us with not one but two full-length releases this year, Mega Drive shows no signs of stopping, thankfully. We honestly can’t decide on whether we should listen to The Grid or Seas of Infinity. Both are well crafted and make Mega Drive more than worthy of a spot on this list.

https://soundcloud.com/megadrivemusic

9. Solar Storm

Nearly making you believe you’re living in a high tech, low life vision of the future, Solar Storm blasted into action with Exodus. Devout followers of our Youtube channel will likely already have heard “Homesick” which, like the rest of Exodus, is a treat to our ears.

https://soundcloud.com/solarst0rm

8. Futurecop!

No list of great synthwave artists would be complete without Futurecop! Making an appearance. August of this year came with it the highly anticipated release of Return to Alvograth and Futurecop! delivered tenfold with this one. A pioneer of the genre itself, you need to listen to this album if you somehow haven’t had the chance yet.

https://soundcloud.com/futurecopofficial

7. Night Runner

Earlier this year the duo that is Night Runner treated us to another full-length album in the form of Thunderbird. If you’ve listened to their previous release, Starfighter, you won’t want to miss this.

https://soundcloud.com/nightrunnermusic

6. Kalax

In early April, Kalax unleashed a self-titled album that was just what we needed, chock-full of rolling synths and dreamy vocals.  Its release has since been followed up with a vinyl and two cassette releases.

https://soundcloud.com/kalax

5. Lazerhawk

In last years roundup, we had just been treated to a teaser for Dreamrider, the highly anticipated next release from everyone’s favorite, Lazerhawk. Early this year, we got it. From “Neon Dawn” to “Dreams in the Dusk” we were not disappointed. This co-founder of Rosso Corsa Records continues to soar.

https://soundcloud.com/lazerhawk

4. Daniel Deluxe

The master of dark synth easily makes this list with his latest release, Instruments of Retribution. This titan of darksynth has also toured consistently throughout 2017, treating fans all over Europe to his synth repertoire.

https://soundcloud.com/daniel-deluxe

3. Nightstop

Hailing from Finland, Nightstop followed up last years Streetwalker with the exquisite release, Dancing Killer. Quickly followed by a wonderful vinyl release on Electronic Purification Records, Nightstop has proven that they’re one of the best time and again.

https://soundcloud.com/nightstop

2. The Midnight

With the release of Nocturnal this year, the duo that is The Midnight showed us that they are completely incapable of a bad release. Hot off the heels of a sold-out performance in Los Angeles, The Midnight has proven to be a powerful force in concert. With more dates planned for 2018, we’re chomping at the bit for more.

https://soundcloud.com/themidnightofficial

1. Meteor

The alter ego of Jorge Reyes, 2017 saw the release of Inner Demon by Meteor. Incorporating scathing guitar licks with masterfully crafted synth beats, Inner Demon is an instant classic. Don’t be surprised if you magically end up in a fast car flying down the highway with the windows down while playing this record. We can’t wait to see what Jorge is up to in the coming year and beyond.

https://soundcloud.com/whoismeteor

Nothing excites us more than new artists entering the scene. Though the list is basically endless, these are the artists that excited us the most in 2017. They embody the rich nostalgic sound that we all know and love, each furthering the genre in the best way possible.

10. Lazer Station

Coming in strong with Exit as the third in a series of EP releases, we couldn’t be happier with the unique sounds each track from Lazer Station provides.

https://soundcloud.com/user-72918358

9. FAVORIT89

With The Beginning released in early December of this year, FAVORIT89 has already proven to be a force to be reckoned with through tracks such as “Interception” and “Memories”

https://soundcloud.com/favorit89

8. NINELITE

Hailing from France, NINELITE with Under the Nightsky brings us soothing ambient sounds perfectly suited for letting the beauty of the city wash over you on a cool night.

https://soundcloud.com/ninelite-music

7. Water and Bridges

Inspired by classic films of the 1980s, the first release from Water and Bridges dubbed Neon Skyline perfectly captures the feeling of nostalgia.

https://soundcloud.com/water-and-bridges

6. Neon Driver

Yet another more than worthy addition to this list, Neon Driver comes at us with the EP Outrun Overdrive that’s filled to the brim with high octane sounds.

https://soundcloud.com/neondriver

5. 87Super

Coming in with Tyranny in October, 87Super treats us to a wonderfully retro sound with fantastic tracks like “Night Wave” and “VHS”.

https://soundcloud.com/87super

4. Polygrid

Debuted in October of this year, Polygrid hit the ground running with the extremely solid release, Infinite. Filled with wonderfully nostalgic sounds, you will especially want to check out “Castles Above”.

https://soundcloud.com/skylight-glare/sets/polygrid

3. Jeremiah Kane

Hailing from Poland, it wouldn’t be possible for Jeremiah Kane to miss this list. Enough good can’t be said about The New Dawn, the first full length album for this artist that truly knocked our collective socks off.

https://soundcloud.com/jrmh-music

2. Magnavolt

An inspiration to all synthwave artists, Magnavolt from Sweden has been able to perfectly demonstrate a mastery of the signature style and sound that this genre has to offer. Be sure not to miss Missing Call.

https://soundcloud.com/magnavolt88

1. Undervatten

Finally, we have Undervatten with Politics, an album that spans a wide range of the genre and shows off a sound that we can’t wait to hear more of. This is one release this year that you absolutely will not want to miss.

https://soundcloud.com/undervatten_official

10.) I, Tonya

Source: MovieWeb

Already mentioned in the media as the Goodfellas of figure skating. This film has a decent cast of actors with Margot Robbie herself as the main attraction or train wreck Tonya Harding.

9.) The Bad Batch

Source: Just Jared

The closest you’ll ever see to a big budget indie Troma film. Imagine post apocalyptic surf cannibals. Starting Jason Momoa and Keanu Reeves.

8.) Good Time

Source: LA Weekly

I’m a huge fan of the Safdie’s brothers. Lots of neons and gritted storytelling that is equal parts 70s Hollywood and Nic Winding Refn. Also, the best thing Robert Pattinson has ever done.

7.) Ghost in the Shell

Source: Comicbook.com

It’s not great but, it’s good and better than what your nerd fanboy friends say. Yes, Scarlett Johansson is Caucasian n the character is Asian. But that’s the keystone of the whole plot. Infact the body of the Major in the series isn’t even her own n if you watched the first movie isn’t even unique and just another model.. she’s been inside a cyborg body since childhood hence, Ghost in the Shell. Wonderful visuals. The players of section 9 are out of the series. Beat Kitano is awesome and Batou is great. 

6.) Shin Godzilla

Source: Rice Digital

The real king of the monsters is back in a new form and new tricks. The perfect allegory to what’s happening in modern Japan. Directed by the creator of Neon Genesis Evangelion. Watch it.

5.) The Void

Source: Screen Media Films

If you’re needing a John Carpenter/ Lucio Fulcio fix then this is your chthulu love letter.

4.) Atomic Blonde

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Definitely one of the best graphic novel adaptations to come out this year. With a chunky 80s soundtrack that drives the action forward. Except the Marilyn Manson cover which I could live without. 

3.) IT

Source: UNILAD

the new adaption of Stephen Kings classic. With new special effects and a charming cast of kids that stole America’s hearts. Dig it!!!

2.) Trainspotting 2

Source: The Thin Air

If you were around for the original, you remember how it changed everything. One of the best soundtracks of the 90s.. The sequel picks up 20years after the original and doesn’t miss a beat although it’s an older man’s movie about grown men and how they close their individual arcs. Shoot it n love.

1.) Blade Runner 2049

Source: Feminist Current

The music, the world, the continuation of a Science Fiction classic. Harrison Ford is actually acting his ass off. Gosling is compellingly. De Armas is stunning and. Deeper actor than people think. If you want more go read my review of Blade Runner 2049 here at New Retro Wave.

10.) The Tick

Source: Amazon

The Tick is back in action and again live action. Too bad it’s not on regular cable.

9.)Samurai Jack 

Source: Comicbook.com

Jack returned to us in the form of a mini-series to answer some of the questions left unanswered from the previous series. Animation n story is flawless victory.

8.) Mindhunter

Source: Vulture

Although at times a drag. The actors playing the specific killers are engaging. And even if you’re bored, it’s Fincher doing what he does best and destroying the romanticism around serial killers that girls on the internet flutter over.

7.) Twin Peaks

Source: Business Insider

I didn’t much like it nor knew what the hell was going on. However, it’s David Lynch doing whatever the hell he wanted and you couldn’t ask for more… Maybe more Audrey?

6.) She’s Gotta Have It

Source: Netflix

Rarely has a show blown up my phone with people requesting I watch something… I will not spoil it. It’s urban Spike Lee pulp with a lot heart n laughs.

5.) The Deuce

Source: Hollywood Reporter

Filmed in NYC to resemble the drug infested, hooker littered, dirty Times Square of yesterday.. an all star cast, all stars I tell you. Even Francisco is good playing a set of twins.. unapologetic and in your face. Sex, nudity, profanity, violence and dread – it’s New York City baby.

4.) Mike Judge:Tales from the Tour Bus

Source: IndieWire

Imagine the art style of King of the Hill and Beavis & Butthead and the actual behind the scene tales of the great outlaw country music icons: Tammy Wynett, Johnny Paycheck, Jerry Lee Lewis, Waylon Jennings and George Jones.. I’ve watched it a bunch of times and people think I’m crazy.. but it’s really good.

3.) The Get Down: Season 1 – Part 2

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

1970s South Bronx, directed by the dude who made Romeo & Juliet and Moulin Rouge. I binged this entire unfortunately cancelled series in one sitting with family.. Amazing. Jimmy Smits is dynamite in this series. WATCH IT! Only downside is Jaden Smiths storyline either it was rushed or not but the actors definitely didn’t go for it in that story arc.

2.) Stranger Things: Season 2

Source: Digital Spy

A lot more emotion and levity in this one. Probably because we’ve already fallen in love with the characters. Not much is different same monster just more of them, a new mega monster controlling the upside down. The kids are older and new kids enrolled into the shenanigans. Only episode I’m like ehhhh about is the episode everyone is “eh” about. But the series is going strong into season 3.

1.) The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

Source: Paste Magazine

Oh my god this show is so freaking good. It’s on Amazon Prime. Thanks story of a quick witted quirky yet prissy upper westside Jewish woman who one night discovers her husband is leaving her for his younger secretary. After a night of walking in the rain, drinking a bottle of wine, walks into a beat generation era open mic and starts waxing poetic about her life in hilarious earnest and befriends an amateur talent agent and the almighty Lenny Bruce. 1960s NYC in full pastel and pencil skirt glory. The music is outstanding with some cuts from the Go Go’s and others thrown in at closing credits. You like comedy, you like family drama with a hint of levity. WATCH THIS SHOW. 

We normally talk about the literal classics in my articles: games that came out when we were young, that defined our video game experience as we grew into what we are now. However, sometimes I like to shine a deserved spotlight on modern titles that seek to recapture that gold-spun retro feel. They may do it through their setting, their style, even their subject matter. The idea continues to not only sustain itself, but to grow in popularity. Here are the ten games from 2017 that have really stood out in that manner… dare we say, the best of the year.

#10

Door Kickers: Action Squad

Killhouse Games

“exitus acta probat” translation: sometimes you gotta shoot down a fucking door.

A true inheritor of the run-and-gun bloodline, Action Squad is one part squad tactics, one part gunfighting action and two parts high-octane RIDICULOUS. This side-scrolling pixel style number is reminiscent of the earlier Broforce, but its multiplayer and goal-oriented facets are more strongly emphasized. The game has made a deep impact on Steam, even before its full release. Bust down doors, wreck perps, and get wrecked in turn. Action Squad is one of those games where you can’t even get mad when your guy dies, because you’ll be laughing your ass off.

#9

Shadows of Adam

Something Classic Games, LLC

This is home. This is where you belong.

If you are one of those diehard fans of the classic Super NES era JRPGs, then this is a must-have for you. Rich, lush pixel graphics combine with a strong soundtrack and a killer storyline to recapture the magic of the genre the way it was when games still came in cartridges. Shadows of Adam also features a refreshing AP combat system, which encourages economical and clever battle strategy outside of the time-honored “thwock and be thwocked back” method. Definitely recommended for RPG fanss who love the classic formula but could do with a bit of a twist.

#8

CrossCode

Radical Fish Games

Only one example of the stunning visuals you will encounter in CrossCode.

And then there’s THIS neo-retro RPG masterpiece. The best way I could describe this one would be: if all those classic SNES RPGs smoked an undiluted hit of action and stuffed their backpack with all the great bells and whistles that have become part of the RPG genre from then to now… but still stayed true to the form you first knew. CrossCode is the story of a mute girl who logs into an MMO from the future, but there’s more to it than that (PLAY IT). The game’s got talent trees, side quests, a slick story, and incredibly sick 2D graphics in the JRPG style. You won’t just be engaging in live full-action combat (a step up from the one thing that could be considered boring about the old school source material), you’ll be solving puzzles and exploring a huge game world. There’s tons to suck in old school RPG fans and action junkies alike.

#7

Flint Hook

Tribute Games, Inc.

The game’s selling point can be summed up in two words… SICK. MOVES.

This side-scrolling action plunderfest is a real gem with a lot going for it. Flint Hook combines incredibly fun gameplay elements with undeniably old-school audiovisual elements to provide an addictive time sink worthy of any gamer’s thumbs. The levels are procedurally generated, which means the game’s replay value is through the roof. There’s nothing not to love about Flint Hook; playing as a space bounty-hunter with a neat array of gadgets and an endless supply of daunting challenges makes for one hell of a fantastic voyage. There’s also a ton of achievements worth unlocking, since nearly all of them give you something tangible and/or equippable in the game. Tribute Games has really crafted a great example of game design with this one!

#6

Orbt XL

Nickervision Studios

This barely does it justice. Peep this video of someone rocking hard. You’ll get the idea.

An addictive yet easy to pick up game, eloquent in its simplicity, Orbt XL makes the list not only for its popularity but for its sheer playability. While it’s not a full-on immersive experience, this space-themed bit of retro goodness will keep you occupied. Moving the little moon in between orbital zones to keep it clear of the incoming projectiles gets harder and harder, making Orbt XL a game you can never “win…” but you will constantly be trying to one-up yourself (and your friends) in the pursuit of a higher and higher score. A test of guile and reflexes, this one is worth checking out if you consider yourself a true daredevil.

#5

Ubermosh Vol. 5

Walter Machado

A lurid rave party of dayglo splatter.

Ubermosh is a series that’s been rolling like thunder since 2015, and 2017’s Volume 5 is the best one yet. Brutal gameplay simplicity packaged in 90s-bright cyberpunk vividness and festooned with blood and blast-marks. Pure poetry. With a soundtrack every inch as brutal as the game itself and a fast pace of high-impact bloodshed, Ubermosh is as gruesomely wonderful as I am trying to make it sound. What’s even better? It’s dirt-cheap on Steam. Scoop it up.

#4

Crawl

Powerhoof

Eldritch as fuck. Best believe. 

It’s no secret that I love roguelikes, dungeon crawlers, or whatever you’d like to label them. They tend to be unforgiving and dark… hideously entertaining. Crawl is no exception. In fact, it’s kicked the bar up a few notches. It has a delightful Lovecraftian overtone, executed beautifully in unspeakable pixel art with a haunting 8 bit soundtrack to match. The coolest part is multiplayer; your friends control the very monsters assaulting your well-being and sanity in the depths of this ghastly dungeon. Only so much can be said. The unearthly delights of Crawl must be seen.

#3

Thimbleweed Park

Terrible Toybox

Yes, that is a clown getting electrocuted. It gets even better.

When you have a look at Thimbleweed Park, you will instantly be reminded of all those classic LucasArts story-games. In fact, it’s made by Ron Gilbert and Gary Winnick, the minds behind the classics Maniac Mansion and Monkey Island! It starts out as a murder mystery… but you’ll quickly find it to be much more than that, a journey into the supernatural, the absurd, and the unbelievable. Set in 1987, Thimbleweed Park tells a set of connected stories that require you to control 5 playable characters while navigating the narrative. Overflowing with brilliantly made puzzles and twists beyond Shyamalan’s wildest dreams, Thimbleweed Park has real staying power as a return to the adventure game format. It exceeds expectations.

#2

Null Vector

Optical Override

Soak it all in. This is as 80s as it gets.

Null Vector blasted off in August and blew a lot of retro gamers’ minds. It’s a roguelike, but it’s unlike any roguelike I’ve seen. Represented in absolutely delicious faux-3D early 80s arcade style, this hybrid has a tie to shoot-em-ups as well. Null Vector places you in control of a fully customizable ship for your journey through its neon world. There is a real difficulty to this one; it keeps you going at it through some really rewarding but challenging play. Two things I love the most about it: it’s still in early access so it’s only going to get better, and it’s currently FREE on Steam. Go get it and start blasting through your 80s dream in a whole new way.

#1

Cuphead

StudioMDHR Entertainment Inc.

It is heaven and hell in one beautiful package.

Oh my god, Cuphead. So much has already been said. This is the game that kicked the gaming world directly in the ass this year. Not only is Cuphead a visual masterpiece, but it is everything a retro-style game should be in terms of play. It’s got chops to go up against the most brutal run-and-gun classics; it’s Contra on steroids with a priceless coating of retro-cartoon glaze that multiplies its appeal. This is a hard game, but we like a challenge, don’t we? It is rare for a game to have this level of visual appeal AND be punishing in all the right ways. Cuphead has put StudioMDHR on the map, and it’s made me hope we see a lot from them in the future.

On the subject of the future… we have so much coming your way in 2018. Get ready! NewRetroWave and NRW Gaming will be bringing the fire… We’ve enjoyed bringing you the dream in 2017, and may we dream in even brighter neon colors in 2018. Happy Holidays, and we will see you next year!

10. Moondragon – Apex Predator (feat. Meteor)

9. Absinth3 – Starlight (feat. Oceanside 85)

6. Slicarus – After School (feat. ill Esha)

7. ALEX – Youth (feat. Rachel McAlpine)

6. Sebastian Gampl – Without You (feat. Tommy Reeve)

5. Michael Oakley – California (feat. Missing Words) 

4. Timecop1983 – Girl (feat. SEAWAVES)

3. FM-84 – Never Stop (feat. Ollie Wride)

2. New Arcades – Irreparable (feat. NINA)

1. Scandroid – Neo Tokyo (Dance With The Dead Remix)

Track 4 edited to “GIRL”. Changed from Lovers.

2017 was a very trying time and also a very positive time for Retrowave. Here are The Biggest Moments for Retrowave in 2017.

Death Note Includes Plenty of Synth in it’s Soundtrack!

Jordan F scored two big placements in this movies soundtrack and in the movie itself. A big win!

Lazerhawk Finally Releases Album!

It was a lengthy wait, but the wait was certainly worth the final product. A lot of fans in the scene have been waiting for this album for close to 4 years years. An absolutely smashing album from beginning to end.

The 2017 Eurovision Song Contest

This image says it all. The background imagery/ animation clearly ties into Retrowave aesthetics. This performance was seen by millions of viewers due to Robin Bengtsson and Eurovisions heavy reach. The song may not be your cup of tea, but the imagery cannot be denied.

Celebrities Start to Discover The Retrowave Movement!

Twitter was an interesting platform this year. Specifically for celebrities as they found a lot of Retrowave via shares and retweets. Wil Wheaton being one of them! 🙂

http://wilwheaton.net/2017/04/apparently-retrowave-is-a-thing-and-its-pretty-awesome/

FM-84 and The Midnight Completely Sell Out in LA!

These guys are truly taking the scene by storm and are doing huge numbers whilst being unsigned. This shows the power of Retrowave and the awesome fans it has. Not to mention their music is both killer!

Mainstream Musicians Start To use Retrowave Inspired Imagery In Their Music Videos and Art.

Like it or not, this year showed how far the Retrowave influence has spread. It may not be the sound just yet, but the imagery is now being implemented in musicians albums and musical projects. It could error a lot more frequently in 2018 as Retrowave continues to spread. Keep your eyes peeled for this madness.

Magic Sword are Featured in the Thor: Ragnarok Trailer.

This was probably the biggest placements for 2017. This was a monster of a movie in terms of outreach and to have Magic Swords music used in the official trailer was MONUMENTAL. Another great achievement for the Retro Lovers.

Retrowave begins to chart in the Billboard Charts!

Magnatron 2.0, AKUMA, The Midnight, Perturbator, Carpenter Brut, Sunset Neon, this year proved to be monumental for Retrowave interms of outside recognition. We predict such charting will be more frequent in 2018 as many big releases are planned. What a year!