Best – NewRetroWave – Stay Retro! | Live The 80's Dream! https://newretrowave.com Stay Retro Thu, 09 Dec 2021 16:03:39 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.7 https://newretrowave.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/cropped-10906530_846941002018082_8508920941385779369_n-1-32x32.jpg Best – NewRetroWave – Stay Retro! | Live The 80's Dream! https://newretrowave.com 32 32 TOP 10 RETROWAVE COLLABORATIONS OF 2021 https://newretrowave.com/2021/12/07/top-10-collaborations-in-newretrowave/ https://newretrowave.com/2021/12/07/top-10-collaborations-in-newretrowave/#respond Tue, 07 Dec 2021 11:16:37 +0000 https://newretrowave.com/?p=37871 Collaborations give space to make a great thing ever better… This year was filled with incredible collabs in the scene. Check out this list from 2019,and 2018. Here are 10 of the best collaborations from 2021:

10. Tonebox & Lucy in Disguise – Road Rage

9. Dreamchaser – Neon Nights (feat. Aaron Marsh of Copeland)

8. Ace Buchannon – Come Alive (feat. Anna Moore)

7. Highway Superstar – Feel It Right Now (ft. Doubleboy)

6. All The Damn Vampires & Yota – Tame You

5. The G – Wanderers (feat. Michelle B)

4. Arwelone – Into the Night (feat. Camille Glemet)

3. New Arcades – Before I’m Too Late (feat. NINA)

2. Timecop1983 – One Night (feat. Josh Dally)

1. DRYVE – Don’t Let Go (feat. Lucy Daydream)

]]> https://newretrowave.com/2021/12/07/top-10-collaborations-in-newretrowave/feed/ 0 The Best 80’s Cartoon Intro EVER!!! https://newretrowave.com/2016/06/28/the-best-80s-cartoon-intro-ever/ https://newretrowave.com/2016/06/28/the-best-80s-cartoon-intro-ever/#respond Tue, 28 Jun 2016 17:37:37 +0000 http://new-retro-wave.com/2016/06/28/2016628the-best-80s-cartoon-intro-ever/ Prepare your senses....

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😉

]]> https://newretrowave.com/2016/06/28/the-best-80s-cartoon-intro-ever/feed/ 0 The Top 10 Most Impactful Moments of 2015 https://newretrowave.com/2015/12/13/the-top-10-most-impactful-retrowave-moments-of-2015/ https://newretrowave.com/2015/12/13/the-top-10-most-impactful-retrowave-moments-of-2015/#respond Sun, 13 Dec 2015 17:51:51 +0000 http://new-retro-wave.com/2015/12/23/20151213the-top-10-most-impactful-retrowave-moments-of-2015/ Let's start of by saying that 2015 has been a MAJOR year for the Retrowave scene

]]> Let’s start of by saying that 2015 has been a MAJOR year for the Retrowave scene. Spanning from the introduction of new sub-genres to certain songs making their way into television and the big screen, to gaming,  Retrowave has exceeded last years accomplishments and has never been so alive! So we can now showcase all the most impactful moments the scene has had this year.

There have also been some MAJOR upsets that have hit the scene hard this year, but we want to focus on all the positives and revel in Retrowave! Sit back and witness the top 10 most impactful moments in 80’s revival and Retrowave culture.

 




 

10.  Taylor Swift acknowledges RWR’s Freshness.

This was entertaining, and RWR is the man for catching her attention!  Not an easy task in an online world that is so saturated! This daring feat brought some well deserved attention to RWR and helped to trickle in a few more female listeners for the scene to cater to!

 

 

9.  Hotline Miami 2 Sountrack

This has been a huge directive force for the scene. Many of the fans this year found out about the scene through this games monster soundtrack including Perturbator and Megadrive. It deserve a mention on our list.

 

8.  Turbo Kid

Another gore movie with deep retro roots hit our screens this year. Turbo Kid not only spanned a cult following in a short period of time, but it also boasts an immense soundtrack composed by the amazing Le Matos. If you haven’t seen it, please do so. It is worth it. 

 




7.   The Synthwake wiki resurfaces

Finally!!!  Please feel free to edit this wiki page and make it everything we ever desired!! Shameless promotion and all! 😉 Lets build this legacy people!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synthwave

6. Key and Peele Aerobic Sketch

This GIF says it all. One of the most hilarious sketches these guys have put together. The snapping necks skit was also a close 2nd to this. lol. Key & Peele successfully spoofed an already hilarious “NationalAerobic Olympics” viral video on YouTube, and because of this brought in a flock of new 80’s nostalgia seekers into the scene. 

 

5.  Gunship’s Music Videos

GUNSHIP single-handedly owned the music videos of 2015 for the Retrowave scene. Quality production and editing really made this project stand out and get a well deserved mention on this list. You have to see these 4 videos to understand the levels of awesomeness!

 




4.  Moonbeam City

Comedy Central

Comedy Central

It’s amazing how much the scene has reached people this year. Another outlet that is attracting people to Retrowave is Moonbeam city. A slick comedy on Comedy Central which literally came out of nowhere and made a firm footstamp in CC’s line up. The music from the show may not be as “Synthwavey” as we would like, but the 80’s Nagel visual aesthetics, witty dialogue and overall execution really reaches the core of the retro lover and we couldn’t be more thrilled with this show. Moonbeam City brings back the fun from the 80’s and opens up a whole new world for the Retrowave scene to be discovered. We were very fortunate to talk with the creator of Moonbeam City and hope this gets a 2nd Season. 

 

3.  Power Glove EP 2

This release caused a LOT of controversy about PG’s direction. Too many fans wanted 80’s synth, but PG created something completely new and unprecedented in the scene. This effortless fusion of 80’s – 90’s electronic club and cyberpunk influence set PG aside from all artists yet again. Power Gloves sound is probably the most influential sound in the scene. They have influenced Lazerhawk, Mega Drive and many more Synthwave artists you listen to today. This direction definitely shook up the scene, opened up more doors for sub-genres, and gave more artists encouragement to be experimental with their sounds. Wonder what new sounds we will be hearing in 2016.

 

2.  Florian Renner’s “Retrowave” Video.

This video embodies everything that is retro-cyberpunk retro-future. The visuals are so astounding that we promise it will leave you in complete awe. This video set a new bar for video creators and editors in the scene. This quality is unmatched!!




1.  Kung Fury

Everything about this project screams a HUGE success and accomplishment for 80’s nuts. From the movie, to the soundtrack, to the even more incredible music video, Kung Fury OWNED 2015 hands down. The success and attention Kung Fury received really helped to bring in an ENOURMOUS fresh new set of fans and retro admirers into the scene. Kung Fury was so essential to the scene growing this year that David deserves a HUGE award for this.

Kung Fury #WINNING

Kung Fury #WINNING

Kung Fury was a visual, and audio masterpiece that still continuous to bring new people into the scene. Let’s hope a full length sequel in in the midst!

 

Honorable mention:

Back To The future Day. A very memorable and monumental day, not only for the Retrowave scene, but for the world!!!

]]> https://newretrowave.com/2015/12/13/the-top-10-most-impactful-retrowave-moments-of-2015/feed/ 0 Top 10 Retrowave EP’s of 2015 https://newretrowave.com/2015/12/13/top-10-retrowave-eps-of-2015/ https://newretrowave.com/2015/12/13/top-10-retrowave-eps-of-2015/#respond Sun, 13 Dec 2015 16:30:10 +0000 http://new-retro-wave.com/2015/12/14/20151213top-10-retrowave-eps-of-2015/ The NewRetroWave Top 10 Retrowave EP's of 2015 is finally here.

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10. SID64 – Future Nostalgia

Charles Michaud’s alter ego SID64 illustrates the potential that music has to tell stories. His experience composing film soundtracks no doubt lends itself to the best parts of his summer EP Future Nostalgia. The lead synth lines are the highlight, and they shine best on “Violet City”.

Twitter

Bandcamp

 

9.  Moondragon – Miramar

While many artists in theretrowave / synthwave / outrun scene focus on the atmosphere created by and created for driving, Moondragon looks to the skies. Even without the Bandcamp description, Troy Simpson’s music lives in the experience of liftoff. “Maneuvers” is the biggest standout track. 

Twitter

Bandcamp




8.  The Starfighter – After Hours

Dustin Fraser’s retro-inspired project The Starfighter is unique in that there is an understanding of the kind of power empty space can have in music. Just because every moment of a song can show you how fancy it can be with melody or effects doesn’t mean that is neccesarily always should. The open spaces are exactly what make After Hours memorable and groovy. The best song here is “Night Hawk”.

Facebook

Bandcamp

7.  Waveshaper – Solar Drifter

Solar Drifter opens with one of the most danceable songs of 2015, regardless of genre. While “Stellar Jupiter” is the best song on the EP, the supporting songs after it each bring a confident and catchy mix of sounds. This was one of the first new releases I heard this year, but it stuck with me since. 

Twitter

Bandcamp




6. Raydar – Evil Squad

If the first track on your release is titled “Satan”, you know exactly what you are doing. Evil Squad is as menacing as it is infectious from beginning to end. It manages to blend in several glitch hop elements throughout the five-track run. The best song is ” Lycanthrope”, which is set dead in the middle of the EP.

Twitter

Bandcamp

5. Sebastian Gampl – Winner

Winner is not homage to music from the 1980’s. Apart from the release date, it is music from the 1980’s.  I have a soft spot for vocal synthwave, and the vocals on this EP are a perfect match for the music, and the melodies are exceedingly catchy. “Without You” is the highlight here.

Soundcloud

Bandcamp




4. Robert Parker – Cardinal

Cardinal is an EP that knows it’s cool. It expertly weaves 80’s synths with 90’s nu-disco grooves and funky bass lines.  The production is clear and punchy, serving the funk and disco. The way Robert Parker weaves music from three decades, in particular on the track “Flashback”, shouldn’t be missed.

Soundcloud

Bandcamp

3. SelloRekT / LA Dreams – Sounds and Waves

Being “weird” in terms of sound is impressive in its own right. What is more difficult, however, is composing weirdly. The songs on SelloRekT / LA Dreams’ EP Sound and Waves utilize familiar sounds from the scene, but every single track contains surprising melodies and turns that you don’t expect the songs to take. The album leaves an impression of being strange while not always being able to tell exactly why. It’s the songwriting. The titular track, “Sounds and Waves”, is the standout. 

Twitter

Bandcamp




2. OGRE – Gradients Live

And once in a very long while, an artist comes along with a release that manages to be constantly unexpected in terms of craft and sound, all the while pushing the genre into territory as of yet unexplored. The entire EP was recorded live and in one take on forty-year-old cassette. And that odd quality to the sound? You’re hearing all hardware. Nothing on this EP was created in a computer. It’s odd and catchy and atmospheric all at once. A large part of the charm is found in the improvisational quality the music has, but it’s built on a foundation of true talent. If OGRE refines it, I can honestly see him releasing the Kid A of synthwave albums. Every song on this EP is the standout, but if I absolutely had to pick: “A3”. 

Twitter

Bandcamp

1.  The Northern Lights – Teenage Wasteland

The Northern Lights released an excellent album this summer under the moniker Astronaut Arcade. Teenage Wasteland was released shortly after, and it feels like the night following the summer day that permeated that album. The indie and nu-gaze influences can still be heard on this EP, where they are complemented by either catchy and breathy vocal performances or catchy and breathy synths. It’s chilled out, well written, and sonically interesting from beginning to end. “Say Goodbye” leads the pack as the closing track, bringing in everything that made the EP great with what I swear is some inspiration from Twin Peaks.

Twitter

Bandcamp

]]> https://newretrowave.com/2015/12/13/top-10-retrowave-eps-of-2015/feed/ 0 Ten of the Best Synthwave Collabs in 2014 https://newretrowave.com/2015/01/02/ten-of-the-best-synthwave-collabs-in-2014/ https://newretrowave.com/2015/01/02/ten-of-the-best-synthwave-collabs-in-2014/#respond Fri, 02 Jan 2015 16:57:38 +0000 http://new-retro-wave.com/2015/01/02/201512ten-of-the-best-synthwave-collabs-in-2014/ It’s actually been quite a good year in terms of joint efforts in synth. I didn’t rank them on purpose as I felt they are quite different in terms of production approaches and general vibe.

]]> I began writing this list thinking “how am I going to come up with then collabs I like the most”? That says a lot about them I guess, but even though none of them were so outstanding that I remembered them immediately, in review, I realised, hey! it’s actually been quite a good year in terms of joint efforts in synth. I didn’t rank them on purpose as I felt they are quite different in terms of production approaches and general vibe.

Futurecop! – Growing (feat. Timecop1983 & New Arcades)

http://youtu.be/PBLXsm9qqEE

It’s not just one time travelling cop, but two! Solid production, as you would expect from the legendary Futurecop! is bolstered by the synth wave mainstay Timecop1983 and New Arcades for some synth policing magnificence. Nostalgia galore and the bittersweet lovesick feeling – this track has it all.

Timecop1983 – Breaking Waves (feat. Phaserland)

http://youtu.be/fkpu9ZDtzYs

Very non-boring and sleak, Timecop has been prolific this year and this is one of his better 2014 tracks. There’s that Rosso Corsa breeziness and levity that you imagine coupled with shots of carefree high school kids playing beach volleyball.

Highway Superstar – Take My Time (featuring Dana Jean Phoenix & Chris Page)

http://youtu.be/LaSw4rVJy08

Highway Superstar (whose album I reviewed back in January) really brought the good synth wave vibe with this electric duet between Dana Jean Phoenix and Chris Page that sounds better with each listening. A dancey exchange between two lovers hits all the right notes in that 80s power pop way.

Timecop1983 – Dreams feat. Dana Jean Phoenix

http://youtu.be/VOj-USZaz4Q

Yes, Timecop1983 again. This track, also taken from Cop’s last album Journeys, is a good example of high-sheen synth wave production that doesn’t delve into the emmentaler, if you catch my drift. Dana Jean, one of the top vocalists in our beloved music scene, lends her magic and the whole thing just takes you there.

College feat. Nola Wren – Save the Day (Official Video)

http://youtu.be/4bnb8ti0JGU

College returned in 2014 with this collab with Nola Wren and it has everything you may expect from the untouchable Frenchman: minimalistic synth soundscape, a wistful vibe, non-cliche structure. Personally I find it just a teeny bit tinny and too reminiscent of the somewhat disappointing 2013 Heritage LP (albeit not instrumental).

New Arcades – Don’t Let Go (feat. Chloe Pamplin)

http://youtu.be/Z4MYjcVx7Zw

The incredible synth hook is only marred slightly by the generic male vocals. That big stadium sound is worth gold. Has a tinge of that Futurecop!-esque nostalgia tinged throughout (not a surprise as New Arcades is signed to the FC’s label). Perfect for listening on a sunny winter day to warm your synth heart.

Jordan F – Losing Touch (feat. Rromarin)

http://youtu.be/GKLQqW_SwkM

Jordan F surprised everyone with his strong LP release this September but before that in March he released an EP that included this very interesting collab with Rromarin. The somewhat repetitive structure of the track can be forgiven for the sheer nostalgia oozing out of the speakers and singer’s sultry vocals.

Nightcrawler & Diana Gitallog – The Legacy

http://youtu.be/tYL1LYtmlVs

Nightcrawler’s album Metropolis was released earlier in 2014 and while it had some interesting collaborations, most of them were forgettable. Not this one though. Pure outrun epicness; this mini synth-phony mixes Nightcrawler’s dystopian vision with Diana Gitallog’s prowess for sticky synth hooks into something good.

STARFORCE & Action Jackson – Time Shock

http://youtu.be/LJCJpG_qETw

Pure outrun gem, Time Shock has all the elements of a great synthwave collaborations – this one between the strong artists STARFORCE and Action Jackson. Intrigue, neon lights, sports car chases, retro-futuristic feel, this track packs many powerful audio images into its 4 and a half minute length.

 

Tommy ’86 feat. Sally Shapiro – Why Did I Say Goodbye

http://youtu.be/8qaFr9LW9jA

Sally Shapiro turns everything she touches with her super unique voice into gold and Tommy ‘86 is a lucky fella to have collaborated with this maiden of the synth wave seas. Of course, it wouldn’t be a S. Shapiro record without that exquisite italo sound her vocals are doused in.

]]> https://newretrowave.com/2015/01/02/ten-of-the-best-synthwave-collabs-in-2014/feed/ 0 Top 10 Best Retrowave Albums of 2014 https://newretrowave.com/2014/12/30/top-10-best-retrowave-albums-of-2014/ https://newretrowave.com/2014/12/30/top-10-best-retrowave-albums-of-2014/#respond Tue, 30 Dec 2014 00:52:21 +0000 http://new-retro-wave.com/2014/12/31/20141230top-10-best-retrowave-albums-of-2014/ YOU HAVE ALL WAITED PATIENTLY FOR THE BIGGEST LIST OF THE YEAR, AND WE NOW HAVE IT HERE.

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YOU HAVE ALL WAITED PATIENTLY FOR THE BIGGEST LIST OF THE YEAR, AND WE NOW HAVE IT HERE. THIS LIST COMPRISES SALES, YOUTUBE PLAYS AND OVERALL HOW BIG OF AN IMPACT THE ALBUMS HAD ON THE RETRO COMMUNITY. THIS IS A LEGIT LIST FOLKS!

10. DEAD ASTRONAUTS 

CONSTELLATIONS

9. MONOMER

LABYRINTH

8. VHS GLITCH 

 EVIL TECHNOLOGY 

7. MEGA DRIVE 

198XAD

6. LE CASSETTE 

LEFT TO OUR OWN DEVICES

5. PERTURBATOR 

DANGEROUS DAYS

4. OGRE 

195

3. LAZERHAWK 

SKULL AND SHARK

2. TIMECOP1983

 JOURNEYS

1. TREVOR SOMETHING 

TREVOR SOMETHING DOES NOT EXIST

***UPDATE (5:33PM)***THERE ARE MANY ARTISTS THAT RELEASED EPIC ALBUMS SUCH AS “NEAR DARK” BY DANCE WITH THE DEAD AND “THE ARCADE DREAM” BY SHIROBON. IT WAS A TRICKY LIST TO MAKE, BUT WE CONSIDERED A LOT OF FACTORS WHEN SELECTING OUR TOP 10.

***We are counting Skull and Shark for the 2014 list since it was a late release last year. Most of Skull and Shark’s success spanned in 2014.

😉

NRW

]]> https://newretrowave.com/2014/12/30/top-10-best-retrowave-albums-of-2014/feed/ 0 Top 10 Best Retrowave Album Covers of 2014 https://newretrowave.com/2014/12/26/20141226top-10-best-retrowave-album-covers-of-2014/ https://newretrowave.com/2014/12/26/20141226top-10-best-retrowave-album-covers-of-2014/#respond Fri, 26 Dec 2014 22:53:57 +0000 http://new-retro-wave.com/2014/12/26/20141226top-10-best-retrowave-album-covers-of-2014/ Top 10 Best Retrowave Album Covers of 2014

]]> NRW Top 10 Record Covers of 2014

By Rhys Pearce

 

10. Le Cassette – Left to our own devices / Released on 10th July 2014

ARTWORK by Crystal labs

ARTWORK by Crystal labs

‘A real basic design here, but really effective. This kind of art was super popular during the 1980’s and I like to imagine that Prince has wallpaper like this throughout his house’.

 

9. Timecop1983 – Journeys / Released on 10th June 2014

artwork by timecop1983

artwork by timecop1983

‘Another simplistic design that goes to show that album art doesn’t always have to be complicated and complex to be visually appealing. This cover has a super classic retro vibe and always leaves me wanting to play Out Run’.

 

8. Void Vision – Sub Rosa / Released on 11th November 2014

‘Definitely one of my favourite records released in 2014. This grey scale cover spoke to me before I’d even heard a note of the music and I felt it captured the essence of Void Vision’s sound in a single photo’.

 

7. Dead Astronauts – Constellations / Released on 16th October 2014

artwork by j3 concepts

artwork by j3 concepts

‘Lets be honest, if you bumped into this creature on the street, you could pretty much guarantee that you’d shit your pants. But, no need to worry guys as its just just the product of someone’s imagination….at least I hope so”.

 

6. Mild Peril – Matter / Released on 3rd July 2014

‘First time I saw this cover, I was expecting to listen to some old British Metal band from the late 70’s. Turns out that ‘Matter’ is an awesome Medieval inspired Synth album Programmed & Performed by the talented C Gilbert’.

 

5. Muscle – The Pump / Released on 17th March 2014

Artwork by Youp Wehnes

Artwork by Youp Wehnes

‘The ultimate soundtrack to get your pump onto, ‘The Pump’ features an oiled up honey flexing her guns, what’s not to like about this cover?’

 

4. Perturbator – Dangerous days / Released on 17th June 2014

artwork by ariel zucker

artwork by ariel zucker

‘This beautiful post apocalyptic image from Perturbator is totally bad ass and I’m convinced is something that even SLAYER would be proud of’.

 

3. Monomer – Labyrinth / Released on 6th November 2014

artwork by rufus blacklock

artwork by rufus blacklock

‘The artwork on this cover was designed by, Rufus Blacklock, of whom I’m a big fan. This incredible design was clearly born in the mind of someone with incredible skill and vision’.

 

2. Ron Cannon – Blue light murder / Released on 13th June 2014

‘This could have easily been the front cover of a Slasher Film in the 80’s and is without a shadow of a doubt something I would have rented. ‘Blue Light Murder’ is my unsung hero of 2014′.

 

1. Starcadia – Saturdaze / Released on 26th September 2014

‘This beautiful design fills me with nostalgia and takes me back to those feelings of being a kid back in the day. On this album, ‘Starcadia’ take classic themes from 80’s shows such as ‘Dance Or Die’, ‘Cody Laser’, ‘Lethal Response’ and spit out amazing remixes. I listened to this one constantly for over a week’.

 

***CORRECTIONS: ART IN #2 IS TAKEN FROM A LAMBERTO BAVA FILM ENTITLED “YOU’LL DIE AT MIDNIGHT” RELEASED IN 1986.

]]> https://newretrowave.com/2014/12/26/20141226top-10-best-retrowave-album-covers-of-2014/feed/ 0 The Top 10 Best Retrowave Album Covers of 2014 https://newretrowave.com/2014/12/19/wretrowave-com201412the-top-10-best-retrowave-album-covers-html/ https://newretrowave.com/2014/12/19/wretrowave-com201412the-top-10-best-retrowave-album-covers-html/#respond Fri, 19 Dec 2014 18:19:00 +0000 http://new-retro-wave.com/2014/12/19/wretrowave-com201412the-top-10-best-retrowave-album-covers-html/ The Top 10 Album Artwork Covers of 2014

By Rhys Pearce



10. Le Cassette – Left to our own devices / Released on 10th July 2014
Artwork by Crystal Labs


‘A real basic design here, but really effective. This kind of art was super popular during the 1980’s and I like to imagine that Prince has wallpaper like this throughout his house’.

9. Timecop1983 – Journeys / Released on 10th June 2014
Artwork by Timecop1983

‘Another simplistic design that goes to show that album art doesn’t always have to be complicated and complex to be visually appealing. This cover has a super classic retro vibe and always leaves me wanting to play Out Run’.

8. Void Vision – Sub Rosa / Released on 11th November 2014




‘Definitely one of my favourite records released in 2014. This grey scale cover spoke to me before I’d even heard a note of the music and I felt it captured the essence of Void Vision’s sound in a single photo’.

7. Dead Astronauts – Constellations / Released on 16th October 2014
Artwork by J3 Concepts

‘Lets be honest, if you bumped into this creature on the street, you could pretty much guarantee that you’d shit your pants. But, no need to worry guys as its just just the product of someone’s imagination….at least I hope so”.

6. Mild Peril – Matter / Released on 3rd July 2014






‘First time I saw this cover, I was expecting to listen to some old British Metal band from the late 70’s. Turns out that ‘Matter’ is an awesome Medieval inspired Synth album Programmed & Performed by the talented C Gilbert’.

5. Muscle – The Pump / Released on 17th March 2014
Artwork by Youp Wehnes

‘The ultimate soundtrack to get your pump onto, ‘The Pump’ features an oiled up honey flexing her guns, what’s not to like about this cover?’

4. Perturbator – Dangerous days / Released on 17th June 2014
Artwork by Ariel B Zucker

‘This beautiful post apocalyptic image from Perturbator is totally bad ass and I’m convinced is something that even SLAYER would be proud of’.

3. Monomer – Labyrinth / Released on 6th November 2014

‘The artwork on this cover was designed by, Rufus Blacklock, of whom I’m a big fan. This incredible design was clearly born in the mind of someone with incredible skill and vision’.

2. Ron Cannon – Blue light murder / Released on 13th June 2014

‘This could have easily been the front cover of a Slasher Film in the 80’s and is without a shadow of a doubt something I would have rented. ‘Blue Light Murder’ is my unsung hero of 2014′.


1. Starcadia – Saturdaze / Released on 26th September 2014
Artwork by Starcadian & Iknonoklasm

‘This beautiful design fills me with nostalgia and takes me back to those feelings of being a kid back in the day. On this album, ‘Starcadia’ take classic themes from 80’s shows such as ‘Dance Or Die’, ‘Cody Laser’, ‘Lethal Response’ and spit out amazing remixes. I listened to this one constantly for over a week’.
]]> https://newretrowave.com/2014/12/19/wretrowave-com201412the-top-10-best-retrowave-album-covers-html/feed/ 0 5 of the Best Horror Villains From the 80’s https://newretrowave.com/2014/10/09/wretrowave-com2014105-of-best-horror-villains-of-80s-html/ https://newretrowave.com/2014/10/09/wretrowave-com2014105-of-best-horror-villains-of-80s-html/#respond Thu, 09 Oct 2014 14:58:00 +0000 http://new-retro-wave.com/2014/10/09/wretrowave-com2014105-of-best-horror-villains-of-80s-html/


As Halloween approaches, what better way to celebrate than with a top 5 list of some of the scariest movie villains of the 80’s! Don’t forget to list your top 5’s in the comments section below, we’d love to hear them!



5. David (The Lost Boys)




Back before the shit teen vampire movies that we’ve endured over the last few years, Joel Schumacher made a movie called, The Lost Boys. This movie is hands down one of the most iconic of the 80’s and its soundtrack is likely to remain engraved in your brain for the rest of your life. Along with some amazing performances by some of the 80’s coolest actors, its hard to make this list without thinking of one them. David, exquisitely portrayed by Kiefer Sutherland, is certainly the most memorable and haunting of the film. Don’t let his sometimes calm and relaxed exterior fool you, what lies below David’s pale cold skin, is something extremely unsettling!






4. Russ Thorn (The Slumber Party Massacre)


Now a cult classic, The Slumber Party Massacre is one of my favourite films to come from the great Slasher movie boom of the 1980’s. The films antagonist and destroyer of teenagers is none other than escaped lunatic and double denim enthusiast, Russ Thorn. With more nudity and questionable acting than you could shake a drill at, Michael Villella’s portrayal of Russ Thorn is unquestionably perfect as the slumber party pooper. 







3. John Rider (The Hitcher)

The Hitcher follows Jim Halsey (C.Thomas Howell), who while on a cross country journey picks up a sodden, John Rider (Rutger Hauer) from the side of a rainy, dark roadside. What quickly becomes clear here, after some breathtakingly intense conversation between the two, is the importance of listening to your mother when she tells you to never stop for strangers! With a performance on par to the late, great Robert Mitchum in Night Of the Hunter, Rutger Hauer demonstrates a masterclass in how to scare the crap out of you.






2. Jason Voorhees (Friday the 13th Part 2)

After Mrs Vorhees looses her head in Friday the 13th, Jason emerges from the woods to avenge her in the sequel to the highly successful 1980 hit. Masked beneath an old dirty bag (pre Hockey Mask) and armed with a serious distaste for camp counsellors, we are introduced to Jason and his reign of terror. There’s something I find genuinely chilling about the scene where Deputy Winslow chases Jason into the woods in this film and it still manages to make me feel uneasy to this day. The fact that Jason and his array of murder weapons would go on to hack, slice and decapitate his way through the 80s and all the way upto this present day, is evidence enough that he is truly a horror movie great.







1. Cropsy (The Burning)

 The Burning is a Slasher movie made in 1981 and is loosely based on the legend of ‘Cropsy’, which was an actual tale told around camp fires during the 60’s and 70’s in upstate New York. After a fiery prank goes horribly wrong for a bunch of teenagers, the camp’s caretaker ‘Cropsy’ becomes quickly engulfed in flames and is left to cook within his cabin. After numerous skin grafts and clearly nowhere near enough psychological treatment by his doctors, the unhinged madman is released back into society, only to return to Camp Blackfoot on a murderous quest. With some truly horrific death scenes and make-up effects supplied by Tom Savini, Cropsy embeds himself with ease into our nightmares and as a result is my number 1!


Happy Halloween!



Rhys
]]> https://newretrowave.com/2014/10/09/wretrowave-com2014105-of-best-horror-villains-of-80s-html/feed/ 0 Timecop1983 – Waves EP – Doesn’t Miss A Beat https://newretrowave.com/2014/09/30/wretrowave-com201409timecop1983-waves-ep-doesnt-miss-beat-html/ https://newretrowave.com/2014/09/30/wretrowave-com201409timecop1983-waves-ep-doesnt-miss-beat-html/#respond Tue, 30 Sep 2014 22:08:00 +0000 http://new-retro-wave.com/2014/09/30/wretrowave-com201409timecop1983-waves-ep-doesnt-miss-beat-html/

There is a moment in the opener Timecop1983’s
Waves EP that I swear I can hear the
progression of the genre as a whole. Not every artist has to strive for
progression within a genre. A lot of artists probably shouldn’t. Because NRW
concerns itself so much with music that looks so often to the past, it is
particularly refreshing to hear something with an eye toward the future. It
prevents this whole musical style and aesthetic from going stale.

At around the 1:47 mark of
“Tonight”, an instrument that I would bet is a guitar comes into the mix. I say
‘bet’, because the blend of analog and digital sound here is something that is
truly special and creates a sound that feels between two worlds. Is there any
expression that captures the spirit of NRW like “between two worlds”? I don’t
think so. The song is without a doubt retro-inspired and drenched in nostalgia,
but the subtle chimes of the synth and deep ambience of the guitar create
something that doesn’t sound like anything else in the genre. It is a direction
I really hope to see more artists push toward and I look forward to seeing if
Timecop pursues it further.
“Closer”, the second track, isn’t
nearly as strong as the opener. It continues the same atmosphere and vibe, but
is unfortunately in the shadow of such a good song before it. It is not a bad
song by any stretch. It is an enjoyable listen and adds to the overall EP. The
next track, “In Your Arms”, has a very strong opening. It maintains a bouncy
and cheerful optimism for its entire length. The slow fade of the end is
hypnotic. The title track has some of the most unique synth tones on an EP full
of unique synth tones. The way it weaves in and out of itself and stays upbeat
without coming off as cheesy or campy makes it a very charming song.  Along with “Tonight”, it is definitely the
most instantly replay-worthy track on the entire release.
“Running Away” does its job as a
closer and manages to stand behind “Waves” without being completely shadowed by
a strong track. The synths of this track just work so well with the beat to
create something that cathartic. The mood of the song captures the theme of
“Running Away” so well. It is a liberating, freeing, and upbeat experience.

The only criticism I can really
call attention to is in regards to song lengths. While none of the tracks feel
like template copies of one another, the lengths are all so comparable that you
can lose track (pun!) of where you are while listening to the whole EP at once.
Most songs clock in at just above 5 minutes, which is handled well by
Timecop1983 as interest is maintained throughout the longer than average
runtime.  I was absolutely blown away by
Timecop’s previous full length Journeys
and champion it as a classic of the genre. I went into Waves EP with high hopes, perhaps unfairly so. While I do miss the
previous release’s expert use of vocals, I can say with certainty that those
expectations were met, and on more than a few occasions surpassed. Timecop1983
has created a unique identity within the genre and I’m really looking forward
to seeing what future releases may sound like. Until then I have five excellent
songs to listen to.

– Joey Edsall




y Edsally Edsall
]]> https://newretrowave.com/2014/09/30/wretrowave-com201409timecop1983-waves-ep-doesnt-miss-beat-html/feed/ 0 5 OF THE MOST UNIQUE SYNTHWAVE TRACKS https://newretrowave.com/2014/08/26/wretrowave-com2014085-of-most-unique-synthwave-tracks-html/ https://newretrowave.com/2014/08/26/wretrowave-com2014085-of-most-unique-synthwave-tracks-html/#respond Tue, 26 Aug 2014 17:08:00 +0000 http://new-retro-wave.com/2014/08/26/wretrowave-com2014085-of-most-unique-synthwave-tracks-html/ ALL THESE ARTISTS ARE KNOWN TO HAVE A SOUND THAT IS SIGNATURE TO THEM, THAT NO ONE ELSE HAS. THEY RE-INVENT SOUNDS WHICH STILL STAYS TRUE TO THE RETRO EAR!!
LISTEN UP
 
5. BOURGEOISIE  – “THE ALPHABET CITY ELITE”























 
 
4.  DENOVOMUTANS –  “WASTELAND”




















 
 
3. ORAX  – “FEARS”


















 
2.  MEGA DRIVE – “DATALINE “




















 
1. POWER GLOVE “MOTORCYCLE COP”














 
EPIC
 
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