Odyssey
There’s nothing quite like a soothing introduction at the start of an album. I’m surprised at the choice of style, which starts off somewhere like a new age track, then slips gradually into the strumming of guitars. We’re lulled into the cradle of sounds colliding and dissipating at the end of the track, parting the way to the next track.

Michael Oakley & Ollie Wride – Wake Up!
It’s always a good time when Ollie Wride is involved, and this partnership of vocals is no doubt a dream come true. This feel-good track has lyrics that could warm the coldest heart. Living life to the fullest, accepting the good that comes, and setting fear aside are just a few golden tokens of motivation that can be found. Falling asleep at the wheel of life is not an option, so you better “Wake Up!” The harmonization between these two talented vocalists is hopefully foreshadowing more collaborations in the future.

Is There Anybody Out There? [Jon Campbell Radio Edit]
There’s a familiarity in the melody of this track in particular, and with it, the teenage angst and rebellious vibe are infused and uplifted by the chorus. The lyrics are endowed by the heavenly voice of Michael Oakley, and that familiarity supplements the spiral of repetition with the arpeggio. Chords lead up to the bridge, bringing us to the final blow of the choir. Finding someone we can relate to is the core message behind the track, and as we get older, we become further apart from who we thought we were in our younger years.

Babylon
The tone of this track opens up to a gradual climb, and Oakley’s voice entrances us into the next phase of the album. The biblical references continue forward, speaking of a heaven-like love endowed with a strength of proportions most dream of. The harmony of vocals paired with the proclamations of protection really bring the chorus together as it resounds through my speakers. The synth truly illuminates the culmination of percussion as the climax is reached, leading up to the delicacy of the sax, opening up a whole new wave of emotion.

Glasgow Song [Ft. Dana Jean Phoenix]
The city streets are bustling with life, and you can almost see the rain on the sidewalks, the grit beneath your feet, and I’m right there as the music befalls the atmosphere. This ballad between two heart-palpitating vocalists is exactly what we needed. The shatter of drums complements the ever-present synth keys and the clash of perfection fills my ears by Oakley and Phoenix’s duet harmonization. The lyrical tone expresses the longing of fate, the destination in the distance, and reaching out for what’s yours. I love that I can visualize the city lights and wet pavement of this journey well-traveled by two amazing artists who are dedicated to the nostalgia we crave. It feels almost like a testament to where they’ve been, where they’ve gone, and where they are headed. The bagpipes are a nice touch to bring reference to Glasgow full-circle, and I can’t help but appreciate it.

Real Life
What is “real” anyway? This song is a fantasy unencumbered by reality. Oakley’s revelations of love and broken hearts have always been irresistible to me in the way of lyricism and the way it manifests in his music. The saxophone returns pulling us into its somber solo moments. The way Oakley combines unique percussions with delicate chimes throughout this track makes it impossible not to keep track of its progression from verse to verse. We’ve all been brought to our knees when desire suppresses our hold on the buzzkill of what’s real. If there is any hope of returning to our memories, we easily trick the mind by reminiscing on what was.

Queen of Hearts
Starting off the track we have a slow and steady melody from the synth and Oakley opening with the main chorus. Roaming old home towns, unrecognizing yourself, and being unrecognized by familiar faces is a feeling we can resonate with to a certain degree. To Oakley, that might be more obvious. I find myself thoroughly enjoying the increase of bpm as the song progresses, and I’m also a little homesick myself so the kick-drum allows me to give into it. The tempo is familiar, the guitar chords dance along with the rise, and by the end, we’re laid down by the calm dissipation of the reverb.

When Stars Collide
I haven’t heard an intro like this since Dido’s “Thank you”, so I’m surprised, but I listen on. I notice the reference to Icarus and as a mythology buff, this is pleasing to hear. The pulse of the chords and the echoes of each word proceed to cradle me in a warmth that is uncommon. Is it the lyrics? Is it the melody? Perhaps it’s both. I’d say this track is more nostalgic of the ’90s and perhaps that was the goal Oakley had in mind. I think the synthwave scene is in the middle of an interesting shift between some of the other notable bands that have been incorporating more of

The harmonizations throughout this album remind me of a lot of Christian rock bands, which I can’t help but point out. Is Christianwave a thing? Anyway, my ADD brain aside, the lyrics point to signs of a love song, and perhaps a bit of overextending the gesture of what it is to be a person of faith. The way that I can interpret these verses vs what Oakley really meant to say may be far from the truth, but throughout the album resides multiple biblical references and verbiage that make it quite obvious to me that whatever kind of love Oakley shares with us is, perhaps, heaven-sent. This is solely an observation, and I invite you to listen and let us know what your thoughts are!

TOP PICKS

Acryl Madness – Kaidan

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Emil Rottmayer – Deflection

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Makeup and Vanity Set – Heart of Batman

Spotify

Mitch Murder – Then Again

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Lukhash – We Are Stardust

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Timecop1983 – Faded Touch

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CRYSEHD – EP IV

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Downtown Binary – Memoir

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The Starfighter – Simulation EP

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glitbiter – Glass & Steel

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Honorable Mentions & Singles

Cadet – Blu Magic

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HKE – More Electric Swill To Fill Up Your Stupid Heads

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQuVwtQxHsw

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LA Nights – The Call

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Kagami Smile – Secrets Between

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Millenium Falck – Fall of the Titans

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Mythical Vigilante – Erase Your Mind

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Tangerine Truckstop – Tangerine Truckstop

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OSC – Yume No Machi

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Lebrock – Hearthstrings (Single)

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Michael Oakley – Is there Anybody Out There (Single)

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Michael Oakley’s debut release “California” took listeners by storm in 2017, and his follow-up full-length “Introspect” continued the retro excellence in 2019. Known for his incredibly catchy hooks, melancholic tracks, and killer pop vocals, Michael Oakley is right on time with this new release likely coming in 2021.

Listening to Michael Oakley’s previous albums was like instantly being transported into the past, and the same is true for “Is There Anybody Out There.” It’s filled with talented and insanely catchy vocals, and if these singles are any measurement, his upcoming album is sure to be hit!

But, these singles also reveal his retro sound has changed a bit. As you can imagine from being remixed by Jon Campbell, Oakley’s new work is filled with references 90s Eurodance, and the Campbell radio edit is an incredibly upbeat track that would fit just as well to the dancefloor as it would a late-night oceanside drive. Of course, there are still elements of the 80s in there as well, making for a fantastic combination that is a perfect update to the Michael Oakley signature sound.

In fact, Mike recently wrote a statement on social media to explain a bit about this 90s influence, what that time period meant to him, and how he came into contact with Jon Campbell. It’s on the longer side, but well worth the read, as he recounts buying his first cassette in 1994 and his debaucherous youth!

Grab a listen to “Is There Anybody Out There” here, and be sure to check out the Jon Campbell radio edit! This track is fantastic, and we can’t wait to hear the full album!

Siamese Youth is a truly righteous duo, comprised of Mark Gritsenko and Christoph Hassel. Although this is only their second full-length album, their experience as musicians is immediately evident. Prior to Siamese Youth, Mark Gritsenko was the lead singer for the German rock back Marakesh, and Christoph Hassel is a seasoned songwriter, having acted as writer and producer for several different acts. The result of this experience is the high production value we hear on “Echoes of Tomorrow,” which almost seems to glisten as you listen.

The Siamese Youth Sound Get’s An Iconic Synthpop Upgrade

This album isn’t just shiny though, it’s better all around. The Siamese Youth sound has definitely had an upgrade, taking the best elements from their debut album “Electric Dreams” and improving on them. The tracks here are much more groovy, and they play with space more as well, with many of the tracks feeling very wide and impressive. “Electric Dreams” had its fair share of amazingly upbeat catchy tracks, but overall it seemed a bit laid back at its core. Siamese Youth have really come out of their shell, and take it to a whole other level in “Echoes of Tomorrow,” with certain tracks like ‘Can I Be Me,’ and ‘Young Nights’ sounding downright iconic.

Don’t get me wrong, “Electric Dreams” is a fantastic album, but “Echoes of Tomorrow” absolutely knocks it out of the park! All of these elements and vocals blend together even more to make an even better release, and the result is absolutely gorgeous, groovy, iconic synthpop and dreampop!

Similar to their debut “Electric Dreams,” “Echoes of Tomorrow” draws on elements of dreamwave, synthwave, and catchy pop vocals. This combination makes for some excellent dreampop, but with “Echoes of tomorrow,” the arrangements are even more upbeat and poppy – and also now infused with some chord progressions seen more in anthemic alt-rock. The additional influence of that stadium busting alt-rock iconic U2 sound plays extremely well with their synthwave and dreamwave roots, elevating it just that much more.

Siamese Youth recently explained a bit more about the transformation to their sound in an interview with The Big Takeover:

“I think our sound has developed a lot. Our approach was to make Echoes Of Tomorrow more mature, stronger and a bit rockier than Electric Dreams…Our first album was very introverted, dreamy and nostalgic. But on Echoes Of Tomorrow we extended the topics we write about a lot…. In many tunes, it was like writing a synthwave song and producing it nearly as a rock song. While our first album was more dreamy and we would even say a bit shy, this one is more of a clear sonic statement.”

“Echoes of Tomorrow” Almost Sold Out!

Overall, this is a truly fantastic album and not one to be missed. If you’re a fan of synthpop acts like The Midnight and Michael Oakley, or enjoy the rock, pop, and synthwave influences from Wolf Club, you will likely absolutely love Siamese Youth’s “Echoes of Tomorrow.”

Sadly, MiniDiscs and cassettes are already sold out – but Vinyl and CDs are still available! But they won’t be for long – grab your copy here today!

This remix of ‘Control’ from Michael Oakley’s instant-classic album, “Introspect” features a fantastic deep synth bassline and quick synth staccato rolls – turning the original song on its head with a more traditional outrun and Sci-Fi feel. In addition, the vocals are slightly glitched, owning up to the Syst3m Glitch name.

This remix is almost as good as the original – no easy feat for someone who’s only been making synth music for a short time!

So give up for Syst3m Glitch and check out his remix here!

In fact, Josh Dally was featured on Timecop1983’s album “Night Drive,” tracks by FM-84 and has taken the stage next to Ollie Wride and Dana Jean Pheonix! As you might expect from one rubbing shoulders with those high caliber musicians, At 1980’s debut “A Thousand Lives” is a top-notch synthpop album perfect for fans of the The Midnight, Michael Oakley, and Ollie Wride.

Filled with catchy vocals, perfectly produced synthesizers, plenty of gated reverb, and a soft saxophone glaze, At 1980 is quickly joining the pantheon of New Retro Synthpop. Exploding with nostalgia and a transcendental atmosphere, “A Thousand Lives” is simply not an album you want to miss!

Listen to the new album here!

But more on that in a second, let’s talk really quick about this radical EP.

“High Tides” is fantastic enough to stand on it’s own, with some insanely heavy hitting talent behind it. WOLF CLUB, Tonebox, Orax, Robert Parker and a Michael Oakley & Ollie Wride collab!

These sunsoaked synth tracks are funky, upbeat, cinematic, and all-around just GREAT. This is a short release perfect for summer – and one that you can’t miss! Grab a listen here now.

The “Wave Break” retro shooter game from Funktronic Labs looks plays great – a mix of a 3^rd person shooter and Tony Hawks Pro Skater. It’s beautiful too – and filled with enough 80s references for you to shake your arcade sticks at! Check out the trailer below – and download it now from their official page here! 

Peter Zimmermann – Through The Night (Part 1)

Florida Skyline – The Green Tapes

Arcade High – New Impressions

Megadrive – 199XAD

Billy Mays Band – Introspection

Betamaxxx – Lost In A Dreamworld

Powerglove – Playback

Top 10 Retrowave Albums of 2019

10. Lucy in disguise – Sunset Radio

9. FM Attack – New World

8. Tonebox – Cloud Highway

7. Futurecop! – Voltrana

6. Akuma II – Alex & Tokyo Rose

5. Com Truise – Persuasion System

4. Waveshaper – Artifact

3. Quixotic – Flamingo Drive In

2. Michael Oakley – Introspect

1. Ollie Wride – Thanks in Advance

Top 10 Retrowave Songs of 2019

10. McRocklin & Hutch – One of Them

9. Michael Oakley – Push It To The Limit

8. FM Attack – Dark Blue Sky

7. Futurecop! – Star (feat. Computer Magic)

6. Kalax – Let Go (feat. Anton Vic)

5. Timecop1983 – My Delorean (feat. Primo)

4. FM-84 – Bend & Break

3. Wayfloe – Fractions (feat. Jessie Frye)

2. SYML – Clean Eyes (The Midnight Remix)

1. Ollie Wride – Back To Life (Official Video)

Top 10 Retrowave Collaborations of 2019

10. DJ Ten & Lost Nights – Creation

9. Wayfloe – Spirit Bomb (feat. Violette Wautier)

8. FacexHugger – Power Unleashed (feat. Street Cleaner)

7. Futurecop! – We Belong (feat. Parallels)

6. Jay Diggs – Ready (feat. JJ Mist)

5. YORU 夜 & Turbo Knight – King And Queen (feat. Polemic Heart & Starquake Synthmaster)

4. Michael Oakley – Now I’m Alive (Feat. Dana Jean Phoenix)

3. NICOLAAS – No Stranger Thing (feat. Lucy Mason)

2. To Live & Die In LA – Remember (Feat. Dana Jean Phoenix)

1. Brandon – She’s on Fire (feat. SJBRAVO)

Carpenter Brut – Blood Machines
(The only reason this isn’t #1 is because it technically isn’t a music video, and it’s currently not available to stream. Check out the website here to see it when it becomes publicly available!)

Jack Stauber – Baby Hotline

Confrontational – Happy Children

Korine – Elegance & You

Top 10 Retrowave Music Videos of 2019

10. Deadlife – Nothing Left But Pills

9. Morgan Willis – Lets Go Together

8. Futurecop! – We Belong (feat. Parallels)

7. Starcadian – Freak night

6. Glowline – Glow with Me

5. Carpenter Brut – Leather Teeth

4. Com Truise – Ultrafiche of You

3. Alex & Tokyo Rose – Affliction

2. Ollie Wride – Back to Life

1. Michael Oakley – Left Behind

A little digging in their bandcamp shows the London-based duo Dean Canty and Adam Sullivan have been releasing synth music since all the way back in 2012. In fact, they’ve been featured in several films and their music played on radio stations around the world – an odd chart to success opposite of what is often seen.

All that time has allowed them to fully develop their aesthetic, taking the route of retro synthpop much the same as The Midnight and Michael Oakley. “Returning Home” (out now via Outland Recordings) is filled with endless radio-worthy vocals and snappy, catchy hooks – go grab a listen now. Fans of synthpop wont be disappointed!

Listen Here!