10. Occams Laser – Halls of the Damned

9. Starfarer – Highrider

8. Burial Grid – Caput Mortuum

7. Acryl Madness – Kill _Em All

6. Microchip terror – Circuitry of Doom

5. Hollywood burns – Abomination from Planet X

4. Perturbator – Death of the Soul

3. Sierra X Matteo Tura – Inner Speech

2. Abstract Void – Forward to the Past

1. Gost – Bound by the Horror

10. Dynatron – Origins

9. Hollywood Burns – Saturday Night Screamer

8. Eagle Eyed Tiger – Untether, Unravel

7. Starcadian – Culture

6. Waveshaper – Client

5. Gost – A fleeting Whisper

4. Kavinsky – Renegade

3. Quixotic – Highway violence

2. Sierra – All about love

1. Waveshaper – The Phantom Machine

Honorable Mentions

• Perturbator – Death of the Soul

• Danger – Haven Virtual concert

• LAU – True

1) Microsha ‘89!

[Setting: Moscow, Russia]

Microsha ’89s sound is a recipe for recognition. With synthy smooth melodies, dazzling arpeggios, and nostalgic possession taking over their percussion, I’m as pleased as a peach that they’re part of the scene. They began with a concept EP called Soviet Union and from there I was hooked. Most artist’s first EPs do not fully encompass their talent. More often than not – it’s likely not very good. This is the entire opposite of that. This is gold. My top two tracks are from their latest release, Rain, which embodies their instrumental genius and corners us into a place where addiction is the only escape.

Track Highlights:
2021
What grabs hold of me is the richness of the evocative electric guitar. The fluidity of the synth beckons us to listen closely before the percussion kicks in – demanding our attention to dial in. The track speeds up mildly but keeps us at a standstill while all else is moving in perfect synchronicity. It doesn’t force us to move or dance just yet, it’s energy comes from the moment we’re in right now. The groove comes naturally, and before you know it you’re finally swaying and nodding your head to the beat.

Rain
When I’m listening to this track, I’m reminded of summer showers, despite the fact that it’s winter right now. You can visualize the angelic rays as the clouds begin to part. The glimmer of raindrops fall and hit the pavement to the beat. The synth guides us towards the ascension of the bridge, and the warmth of the chords against our ears is instilling the memory of those rainy days of Summer. The melody is one we won’t be able to forget, even after the song ends. As the thunder claps alongside the reverb of a cheerful chorus, it reminds us to keep smiling through the worst days. Better days are on the horizon if you just keep listening to the music.

2) Silicon Empire

[Setting: Istanbul, Turkey]

Out of the depths of the dark synth world, a new ruler ascends. One that doesn’t need your typical horror movie concepts, ritualized figures of what we define as “evil”. Such as a random Baphomet or symbol of Satanism. Not even your basic zombie raid soundtrack has anything on this! The “dark” theme is much more real, and much closer than you realize. Silicon Empire ushers in the subtlety of suspense, the arch of a technological takeover, and the guttural grunge of the gaping void in our minds. A modern industrial age is among us – and it’s heard in the synthetic coils of sound, the distorted elements of mind-altering audio effects, the pitch of a short circuit, and the depths of a guitar’s serenade. What began as a primarily ambient album called Umut, has now evolved into a complementary soundtrack to your digital dystopia: A Journey in the Network.

Track Highlights:
Virtual Persona
When I first heard this track, it brought upon an unnerving sense of disarray. Something lurking but unseen. The way the keys are they’re played on the synth instills an unfulfilled desire to uncover the unknown torture. It is heard in the inescapable edging of emotion of tantalizing tunes. You want to keep listening, don’t you? The stale air of decay is matched with the bass and the transition of the melody. There is a chime leading you closer to that alternate state of being. Eventually, we’re in the underbelly of soundwaves, enraptured by the web of strings and glitchy effects. This is what it sounds like to live in a technologically dominated atmosphere.

I get it. You want something harder. Something faster. Well, imbibe in this track with me. Let the bass shake you to your core. In the wake of this bodiless, unseen entity is the chaos that ensues internally. The fragments are within the fast-paced arpeggio, and the pitch change glitches into our comfort zone. What was once the stillness of an echo, is now awakened by the reverberating roar of synth. We move down-tempo into the endless expanse of our ego, as it engages with the enticing embrace of strings and leaves us to lie in our very own existential abyss.

3) Otrebor

[Setting: Caracas, Venezuela]

We live in a world of synthwave where we are tired of hearing the same ol’ pattern, bridge, and chorus. We’re tired of facing the problem that synthwave oftentimes is guilty of. We crave that which sets us apart from traditional genres. In comes Otrebor, a truthfully enigmatic beacon of what is both old and new. Entrance yourselves with a fresh sound, where each element is a reflection of the afterthought of musical focus. This is an artist that suppresses all that we consider vital within this niche of music. You don’t have to be an 80’s kid, you don’t have to have listened to every 80’s album ever released, and you don’t have to conform to what people tell you are the foundations of building the right sound with a synth to emulate “the good ol’ days.” So get used to it, and listen to what’s coming next without being afraid of the future generation. It’s killer, and it belongs on your playlist. I’m showcasing his album Loneliness and SOSIEGO for this segment.

Track Highlights:
Peace
Otrebor calls himself an “Emotional Electronic” artist. Think of the emotions you feel when you’re beckoned to dance, feel the tingling sensation crawl up your spine, and let go. A rhymic rise enters the confines of your eardrums, and with it is an episodic version of an emotional sense within a distinct memory. The static noise fry introduces the welcomed repetition of electronic chords, and the plummet of the chorus causes it to go back from where we first started.

Little Venecia
For those that want something with teeth, I welcome you to listen along. The start of the track is all attitude with an electronic entrance of mood-inducing keys. The trilling of chimes gets us past the rise, and a kick-drum strikes first into a KO of powerful percussion. Do you hear that?  Is that…nostalgia in another form? It isn’t basic, predictable, or repetitive. It is intertwined with the modern enigma of what the future holds for the genre. Dare I say it, it’s actually good and doesn’t take me back in time, it takes me to the right here and now in a good way. To avoid or refuse this next level vibe that is filling your ears is just a resistance of rhymic evolution.

4) Nikita Scion

[Setting: Hamburg, Germany]

The rapture of new artists continues, and Nikita Scion is making their mark on this list. I only have to tell you once, that this artist is a legend in the making. If you enjoy aggressive arpeggios, the roar of an electric guitar, and synthy, elaborate electronic melodies – then keep an eye on their progress. Nikita Scion entered the scene with a banger – Spectre Unleashed – and has since released one hit after another.  Listen for yourself, and let us know what you think as you travel to unexpected territories within your concept of musical reality.

Track Highlights:
Spectre Unleashed
The opener for this track glides into a guitar riff, easing us into a dazzling array of keys. I can’t help but feel energetically in sync with the way this track was arranged. Nothing feels repetitive, and each bridge and arch leads me to something new and exciting. The way the percussion integrates with the charismatic chords sends thrills and shivers throughout my body and dancing is the only response I can manage.

Black Lotus
At the start, I am immediately transported into Castlevania and I have no idea why. It might not have anything to do with what inspired this track, but it does remind me of Symphony of the Night specifically. In any case, that’s not a bad thing at all, and as we exchange vibes from nostalgic video games to vicious vibratos, I’m intrigued nonetheless. The percussion wakes me up just as the saxophone solo kicks in. Seriously, the transitions just lift another layer of the veil behind Nikita Scion’s talent. I never want to part ways with it. Let me just say “You’re Welcome” in advance, because I know I just inflicted your latest obsession upon you with 100% certainty that you’ll enjoy it.

5) STATIC ANGEL

[Setting: Somewhere in the, UK]

There is more left to come and the volume on your end needs to be turned up to the max for a sensational experience to shake the walls of your perspective. STATIC ANGEL is next on our list and they’re breaking the mold. Imagine if Synthwave and Dubstep had a baby and named it Synthstep, but it lives a double life as a Chilltrap Queen. This amalgamation of style, talent, and experimental electro has my knees buckling for more.

Sabishii
Things start off calm enough with a distorted rise, an eclectic arpeggio, and a trap-like kick drum. It’s all over once the bass takes over, and with all the elements combined, alongside a female voice, there’s no turning back. With each and every chime, chord, and key, I’m left dumbfounded at this familiar yet unfamiliar territory of tasteful rhythms. The emotion of the vocalized harmony entangles me into a fit of yearning. I want more of this. Much more.

Tell You
Distorted Noise fry. Kick. Snap. Vocals. Que that shattering bass that makes me quiver just right, and it’s a party. I’m obliged to obliterate my eardrums with this track repeatedly. Once the bridge arrives, the hum of the reverb meets the myriad of vocalized echoes. Then, we’re snapped back to attention thanks to that assertive clap.  The delicate effects in conjunction with the grungey distortion are wrapped up and delivered to you into the voice of an angel. A Static Angel.

6) NØVMBR

[Setting: Cincinnati, OH]

I invited some friends to the party, and while we’ve covered dark synth, synthwave, and some elements of things new and different, I may as well give the vaporwave scene some new vibes to lounge to! Introducing NØVMBR, the hottest sound to hit the airways since HOME disappeared. (Seriously, where is that guy?) Anyway, this next arrangement of sounds will astound and delight you with their dissonant chords, warbling midi-effects, and nostalgic ambiance. It’s enough to make me miss being a mallrat.

Track Highlights:
Gadgets
Allow the dazzling arpeggio to carry you up-tempo as the BPM hastens. Dancing along your mind are colorful chords trailing into the fry of noise. This is what obsessions are made of. We get that classic synth effect we hold so dear in the vaporwave scene, and the drum pads take us beyond reach. With every transition, there is something new to hear, a new detail to uncover. Leave no form of sound ignored. The horns announce their entrance and the rise begins to set a new stage. Finally, the chime of a new melody starts and ends just before we meet that luring arpeggio. Like an old friend, you miss just before they’ve gone.

Dark by Six feat. Sorcery
The next track to compliment your playlist is effortlessly mood-enhancing. I can see those SimpsonWave YouTuber’s adopting this as the newest addition to their strange yet soothing aesthetic. I’m enamored with the way this track progresses from familiarity to a spin in its own direction. The altering pitches from one segment to the next is like pulling back the curtain to a whole new sound. There are nuances to what you’ve heard before, but they stand out in the details mixed into each track.

7) Flight 328

[Setting: Chicago, IL]

I’m going to say it out loud and proud – I’m shamelessly sharing this artist as Synthwave’s next vocal sensation. You’d think this Synth duo arrived on the scene in a time machine. With vocals as their backbone, Austin Deadman and Tara Cruz deliver a time capsule of sounds that most artists wish they could replicate. I’d closely define their sound as synthpop meets 80s movie ballads, but with room to explore. Seriously, I get chills listening to Austin Deadman and Tara Cruz belt out and serenade from track to track. Not only is it rich with what I call “remastered-nostalgia”, but it has that classic cadence we remember from the 80s greatest hits era. Either way, raise the volume, and familiarize yourself with the newest faces among the crowd of vocalists with instrumental talent, Flight 328.

Track Highlights:
Don’t Want to Change Your Mind (FM-84 Cover)
It’s an aching, heart tangling sensation with Austin’s voice elevating this cover. Ollie Wride would dig this, even if it’s his lyricized co-creation with FM-84, with a smile on his face, and a tear in his eye. Nothing could have made this track better, and yet, I find myself at a standstill. Not in the way of wondering which is better than the other, but the fact that there are new elements to highlight about what made it incredible from the start. Along with an acoustic adoration, this newly packaged model is one that I couldn’t have expected. I’m in love with the heartbeat of this song. I can feel every emotion as it intensifies in the tone and pitch that Austin applies to it. Que the lighters and hold the flame up high.

I Wanna Know
I promised the classic ballad feel that I described before, and here it is. With powerful, belt-worthy, purpose-filled lyrics, Austin and Tara make way for exactly what die-hard synthwave fans crave: a soundtrack that transports them from present to past. The reverb, the echo, the keys, all of it together at the introduction beams down from under the spotlight. The electric guitar brings us back. It’s that water drop effect, isn’t it? Half of the time, I can’t believe what I’m hearing – and even though I feel familiar with the nuances, it hits me that this is actually new. Tara Cruz’s incredible voice breaks that sense of comfort with a solo verse, and we’re cradled into the classics again. A gentle piano, the maracas, the symbols, the finger snap, it’s all there. Waiting for you to recognize it for what it is, and realize it’s here to stay.

8) Canyon Crows

[Setting: Scotland, UK]

As a synthwave connoisseur, (Aren’t we all?) I’d like to usher in this new artist into the fold. It’s easy to love anything Canyon Crows has released so far. In the case of their previous release FICTION, their flexibility is beyond a singular concept. In addition to the ambient synthscapes that we know and love, they’re also dedicated to a darker Mallsoft vibe, which is highlighted in their recent release Bad JuJu. It’s been difficult to pick just two tracks for any artist, not to mention separating albums from one vibe to the next, but I really have to highlight the differences for this one in particular so that you can place your personal pick on which vibe you prefer. Either way, you can’t go wrong. Some tracks gently bleed into the next, and Canyon Crows achieves this beautifully.

Track Highlights:
Call
Is it just the intro? Is it more than just a phase? It is going to last a lifetime? I can get used to this mood. I really enjoy the ethereal embrace that atmospheric synth tracks provide. It’s like I’m descending deeper into another world…or outside of it. It’s an audio-visual experience when I can focus on a scene in my mind and listen closely to the music. The horns and reverb seep into the void and reflect off of the stars outside of my reach. Slipping further into a figment of my imagination with each wail of the synth. It’s simplistic, yet complex all at once, as the echo of a phone ringing tries to impede on my focus. I answer, but I never know who it is…

Severed Heads
Speaking of anonymous phone calls. Let’s say Jacket from Hotline Miami invites you over to a local abandoned mall that’s been infiltrated by a group of rogue gang members. Well, when he hands you the Katana, it’s best to just go ham. This is the soundtrack to that imaginary situation. We all miss Hotline Miami, and we all love to be reminded of it. Severed Heads is both a boombox banger and a menacing mixtape, resounding through a brutal beating of bass. Plenty of the vibe within this album is reminiscent of a darker aesthetic that we can recognize and adopt without question. The only question I want to ask is: “Do you like hurting other people?”

9) The Racers

[Setting: Far Far Away, France]

We’re nearing the close of this chapter, but surprises are still left to unhinge and exploit! The Racers released a banger of a single called Final Lap, and more recently Culte de la Machine, and they even have some incredible remixes of a couple of tracks from The Midnight. This artist is going full throttle into the scene with heavy bass, energetic kick drums, and elaborate guitar solos. Truthfully, an unforgettable listening experience. I could continue to describe them further, but I’d rather push you into the deep end and drown out your worries with decadence in musical form.

Track Highlight:
Final Lap
The beginning of the track grants us passage into the echoes of an electronic cascade of sound alongside blips, and colorful chimes. They grow in rhythm as they tease your audible reflexes to pay attention to what’s coming. An epic showdown of synthesized effects raises your awareness of the eventuality that this is unlike all else we’ve heard thus far. The rapid clap presents the wailing electric guitar, as it takes full control of the body, making you wince with pleasure, and the impression of its riff causes your head to sway in motion. We collect ourselves in the wave of melodic mimicry, awe-inspiring arpeggios, and finally the noise fry to close us off, edging us without fulfillment, so that we may sit with unencumbered satisfaction.

10) Purple Blue

[Setting: ???, Netherlands]

I have to say my favorite part about finding random artists on my own is I can listen to their work unbiased and unaware of anything I’m about to encounter. I flip through what’s available, and my ear deciphers from there. Purple Blue caught my attention with their sound, talent, and core nuances alone being my guide. Despite not being established on Spotify, (which I only used to check album dates for reference), I was delighted to find them at all. When I hear music that I know is good, I put it to the test. If I can repeat it, and resist skipping it, it’s all go from there. Their EP Free is a great example of a well-produced synthwave project that corners the audience with defined influence. It forces us to hear their version of what people love about the genre as a whole. That being said, let’s finish this 3k+ word count article off with a bang.

Track Highlight:
Night Cruise
The warm synth tunes bend and fold with the tides of reminiscent chords. Keep a close ear on the percussion. It’s about to get heavy. Now, notice the peak, claps, and reverb on the strings. These are the ingredients to a properly classified Synthwave track of the modern age. Once the kick-drum begins, it’s all a matter of time before you’re enveloped in Purple Blue’s trance. That electric guitar sneaks up on you early on, and as the song progresses, it holds its end of the bargain as it blares alongside the melody. The harmony of all of these elements contributing and enhancing each other is intoxicating. Every rise and fall has its purpose, and every beat partners up with a clap, creating an abundance of cleverly composed sound.

Final Thoughts & Words of Encouragement:

We’ve made it to the end of the journey! We’ve successfully indulged into the next wave of artists taking over the Synth-Scene!
All that’s left is for you as readers, fans, admirers, and fellow-artists, to support each other, grow together, learn from each other, and follow/subscribe/merch-binge on who caught your attention and which selections fuel your desire for more.

There is so much music to be made and listened to, and enjoyed! This list is just a reflection of what I personally perceive as not just “good music” but as a clear message that, “these artists deserve the spotlight just as much as the Top 10 Synthwave Artists Of All Time do”!

In closing, to the artists mentioned above, consider this a warm welcome into the Synthwave scene. We honor your talent, your personal goals, and your musical growth.
We ask that you keep going, bring more bangers into the world, and claim the spotlight you so deserve!

Your fan and musical scribe,
Jessica Jaxx

The Gothenburg Synthwaver takes us on a night cruise through a majestic technopolis.

Listen to The Disk Hunter

9. Powernerd – Destroy to Create

Powernerd suits up in chrome battlegear and delivers an action-packed EDM-meets-Synthwave EP full of electrifying basslines and punchy beats.

Listen to Destroy to Create

8. Sierra – All About Love

Sierra’s existential angst reaches meets new depths of violence, lust and depravity.

Listen to All About Love

7. Gress –  MMXX

Pure industrial dark synth Armaggedon made in Russia. The soundtrack to your neighbour’s moving out.

Listen to MMXX 

6. Nightstop – Stalking Danger

Night driving music full of scintillating synths and funky beats. Old tropes shine anew through brilliant execution.

Listen to Stalking Danger

5. Makeup and Vanity Set – Tesseract

The masked Synthlord teams up with cyberpunk artist Liam Wong for a short trip down the murky back-alleys of NeoTokyo.

Listen to Tesseract

4. Florida Skyline – Machinekore. (Demos)

A collection of tracks by a young prodigy from Russia, who tragically passed last December.
Blending Vaporwave, Synthwave and EDM, Sophia’s posthumous demo EP is an unrivalled display of sophistication and raw talent.

RIP Sophia

Note:  100% of proceeds collected from Florida Skyline’s Bandcamp are donated to Transgender Equality Related Organisations.

Listen to Machinekore. (Demos)

3. Mitch Murder – Artifact

A fantastic set of leftover tracks from the Swedish producers’ Cyberpunk 2077 sessions, compiled into an EP. Perfect to fuel up your shootouts across Night City.

Listen to Artifact

2. STRNGR – Bumping Uglies

A filthy couple of dark electro tracks by Cincinnati’s bloodthirsty STRNGR.
For those who like their Synthwave black and unsweetened.

Listen to Bumping Uglies

1. Sellorekt/LA Dreams – Back at the Office

A brilliant throwback to Office life in the 80s’ at the crossroads between Synthwave and Vaporwave.

Listen to Back at the Office

List Compiled with help from Andrew Zistler.

#10: CrossCode (Radical Fish)

This one was years in the making, and boy did it live up to expectations. Development started back in 2012, and the game was crowdfunded on Indiegogo in 2015. Finally this year we got the end result, and it stands tall among other RPGs of its flavor. Visually rich, wonderful story… worth checking out if you’re a fan of the RPG genre!

#9: Log Jammers (Mega Cat Studios)

I wrote about these guys earlier in the year; their main deal is producing physical cartridges for the NES and other senior platforms, providing exciting new games for old systems. Though any of their releases would belong on this list, Log Jammers really is their flagship title for me. Fast-paced, exciting, and with a play style like deadly tennis, Log Jammers will remind you of your reflexes and provide a hefty challenge worthy of any thumb-fu master.

#8: Dusk (David Szymanski)

A retro-style FPS game released early this year, Dusk gained a lot of traction as 2018 went on… for good reason. Gameplay is immersive but surprisingly light for the theme, and the mood is weird and spooky. It’s a great piece of work, well balanced between action and story. Following in the tradition of its forebears, Dusk puts the bloody meat of solid single-player FPS action back on the menu.

#7: The Messenger (Sabotage Studio)

This title made a huge splash on Steam, and was released for many consoles as well. An oldschool platformer with a ton of delightful new twists, The Messenger has a nice storyline to chew on, artfully lush use of pixel graphics, and addictive gameplay that will keep you hooked. Really worth a look if you want a supercharged game in the vein of the original Ninja Gaiden series.

#6: Octopath Traveler (Square Enix)

All I should need to say is, “Square Enix released an RPG this year.” This lives up to the legacy and more. Visually, it is absolutely GORGEOUS. True to the tradition, the turn-based combat will seem familiar enough to veterans, but hold enough new aspects to retain interest. Yet another absolutely worthwhile title from the vaunted halls of Square.

#5: Celeste (Matt Thorson/Noel Berry)

Celeste is a masterwork video game. There is so much evidence of the love that went into this platformer, from the delightful graphics to the tight gameplay that leaves you nearly breathless. The prototype for this title was developed in four days, but this was no rush job – Celeste bears out as a game lovingly made by skilled hands.

#4: Into The Breach (Subset Games)

Released in February by the same folks who brought us the fantastic starship game FTL, this giant robot strategic pound-em-up holds all the same epicness, and more! While strategy-style games are rarely my bag, I still found myself sucked into this one. Wonderful depth and options lend real weight to this exciting mecha-pulse pounder.

#3: Megaman 11 (Capcom)

Capcom released another entry into the Megaman series this year, and they didn’t try to modernize it or doctor it up; they just stuck with the same filthy-rich side-scrolling action we know and love. 11 could sit right on your gaming shelf alongside all those having come before it, and belong there. I was doubly impressed by Megaman 11, since I’ve never really loved the series like so many do, and yet I was blown away by it. It has helped warm me to the franchise. That’s saying something!

#2: Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon (Inti Creates)

Another long-awaited indie game that went through the crowdfunding paces before hitting home, Curse of the Moon is like the Castlevania 3 we all wanted in our heart of hearts. Multiple characters, multiple endings and paths, and insane CV-style gameplay. As a longtime Castlevania fan, I was deeply impressed with this love letter to not only the franchise but the style. If you love this stuff like I do, you must play this one.

#1: Dead Cells (Motion Twin)

I have a friend I play D&D with, who tends to pick up these games before I do. I’m a hard sell sometimes, but he stayed on me about this one (thank you, Ben). I’m infinitely thankful. I could gush about Dead Cells all day. Procedurally-generated levels, action-packed stealth combat gameplay that demands both reflexes and cleverness, and a soundtrack to die for. This one’s picked up quite a few awards already, and when you lay eyes and hands upon it, you’ll see why immediately. Dead Cells has become a “daily” for me. I put in at least a half-hour daily. I’m helpless not to. Check it out ASAP!

2018. Another year into the future. The years seem to fly by, especially as we get older… but we’re always young so long as we remember how to play. Don’t you ever forget! And may 2019 be all you wish it to! Stay retro!

Cobra Kai

2.) Devilman Crybaby

The in your face and faithful to its source material anime that brought back hard R-Rated themes and imagery to anime can’t get enough praise for its critque of humanity as we know it and of the relationship between the creatures of whatever you call God’s workings. A monster of a self-contained horror story that goes from Cosmic Horror, Body Horror right on up to social commentary. “MUAH” i could massage this IP’s prostate more but you must see it for yourself. My review is still available on NewRetroWave.com

3.) WACO

Remember when the Federal Government set a building on fire with women and children inside, as the nation watched the compound be reduced to ashes on live television? Remember when the acting attorney general was unapologetic about the incident on CSPAN? Well here is a somewhat television-biopic, similar to the OJ Simpson Trial mini-series that became the rage in TV-land. I would say, give this mini-series a try if you can find it streaming online. Give it a viewing if you be mature enough to look at it objectively. Michael Shannon is always great in any role and Taylor Kitsch is good too.  WATCH IT.

4.) The Ballad of Buster Scruggs

If you love the work of the COEN BROS. all through the 80s and 90s then this might be a treat for your NETFLIX X-MAS. Yes, it is a western but, it has all of the best parts of your favorite COEN BROs. films like BLOOD SIMPLE, Raising Arizona, Big Lebowski, A Serious Man, No Country for Old Men, Fargo and more. This anthology is packed with whatever you needed at the time you pressed play on your device. MUST WATCH!

5.) Glow

The hit series returns for a second season of spandex and piledrivers. Revolving around a fictionalization of the characters and gimmicks of the 1980s syndicated women’s professional wrestling circuit, the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling (or GLOW) founded by David McLane. If you know the mechanics of pro-wrestling then you’d be satiated by its portrayal here. The humor is fun, the whole show is pretty friggin’ fun.

6.) BAKI

Grappler Baki is back with the continuation of the story from a previous series. Baki is a young combat prodigy who’s dedicated his life to perfecting his body and becoming the strongest fighter in the world. A dream that will lead him in striking distance of his father, the worlds most dangerous man. The artwork is similar to what it was in the original manga although a bit too polished in my opinion. But, it’s classic anime with new art and brutal fighting. If it’s still streaming on NETFLIX. WATCH IT.

7.) The Conners

No I’m not talking about the Sarah Connor chronicles (i’d love to see that come back). The favorite show and one time flagship series on ABC is back, sort of. When news broke of the series returning with everyone back, the internet went berserk. The premiere was a smash hit. ROSEANNE was back! But, then the real Roseanne almost screwed the whole thing up. Luckily because of fan support and someone having a set of balls and a good idea, the Roseanne character was killed off and the show repackaged as THE CONNERS. Will it retain the interest of the modern television audience that is now binge viewing on AMAZON, NETFLIX, HULU with some really good quality shows there? We don’t know but time will tell.

8.) Altered Carbon

CYBERPUNK is back. My only fear is “will the common consumer ruin it like it’s doing superheroes?”. Altered Carbon is the cyberpunk detective story set in a future where humanity has found a cure for death with the use of proxy bodies; the user transfers his consciousness into new bodies at the moment of death. Our main character is hired or unthawed to solve the murder of the very person hiring him.. If you love the consistent motifs of cyberpunk and it’s aesthetics then you’ll be delighted to point of oversaturation with this series that is already getting an anime spinoff on Netflix. WATCH IT.

9.) Chilling Adventures of Sabrina

Everyone’s favorite daughter from MAD MEN is back and resting comfortably in the shows of Sabrina the Teenage Witch. This version of the adolescent witch is more based on the recent Archie Comics run of the character that is darker, moody and very pro-women. Kiernan Shipka is a young witch who is destined to be a bride of the dark lord but, instead chooses to retain her free will and humanity. A decision that puts her at odds with many dark forces. New style Goth fetish for young girls looking for positive themes.

10.) Haunting of Hill House

I haven’t watched the series all the way through but for some reason my whole facebook feed is filled with associates talking about the series being that scary and creepy and keeping them up at night. The show is headed by Mike Flanagan. Flanagan still riding a wave of critical praise from his previous horror project, ‘Gerald’s Game’ an adaptation of a Stephen King story. Flanagan updates the timeline with flashbacks from the nineteen-ninties instead of the late fifties with the main story line occurring in our present day. Starring: Carla Gugino, Timothy Hutton, Henry Thomas and others. Still available for streaming online. MUST WATCH!

Stay Warm and KEEP YOUR FINGERS ON THAT REWIND BUTTON! Merry Christmas, YULE, KWANZAA, Hanukah and bright TREE & GIFTS day. 1

Bohemian Rhapsody:

The Hollywood biographic film about the the legendary lead singer of the band of the 80’s, QUEEN.

The film is a very well executed and emotionally driven movie powered by some of the music from QUEEN’s catalogue. A lot of pseudo critics on other industry sites have complained about lead actor Rami Malek lipsynching the vocals rather than attempting to sing himself. Which is ridiculous to even entertain the thought of anyone just suiting up and trying to replicate one of the greatest front men in rock history so easily. The nerve of such thinking shows the lack of pop-culture knowledge a lot of higher paid bloggers have these days.

The film is exquisite and a joy to watch and ends at the appropriate crowning moment on a life that was larger than life.

2.) Mandy:

You all already know how I feel about MANDY from my NewRetroWave review a month ago.. It’s a  METAL and Psychedelic wet dream with one of the best Nicolas Cage performances of his career. MUST SEE!

3.)MID 90’s

Jonah Hill’s directorial debut Mid 90’s (also written by Hill) is the nostalgic injection of morale that a lot of us in our thirties needed. It’s a simple straight forward story about being young and finding your place in the world. A journey of friendship that reminds us all of our best of times even when they may seem like our lowest. A gentle mix of Dogtwon & the Z Boys with KIDS. I would even say that lead actor Sunny Suljic will be one to watch from here on into the future.

4.)Suspiria

I know I know. I can see what a lot of people are jeering about with this film. How dare they try to inject an actual plot into Suspiria and change certain things about it.. I mean that is a recurring complaint from the internet about films right? How dare they change things? “oooooo, my childhood”. Well here it is, IT’S NOT the fairytale you remember, much. The time period is different, there’s some subplots that may or may not hurt the pacing and the ending isn’t what you remember.. Tilda Swinton is awesome as always. Dakota Johnson is lovely and in my opinion is a better actress in any film other than that 50 shades. Go Rent it or Buy it.

5.) OVERBOARD

I have reviewed this film already but, you know what I still like it. It’s not perfect with its recurring attempts to recreate the original film (if not refilm). But, I still like the changes it did make and appreciate the bilingual scenes. It’s campy, cheesy and something you can definitely watch during the holidays.

6.)Ready Player One

This film although flawed in some ways deserves to be on the list for its unapologetic fanservice to film audiences obviously older than the intended target demographic. It sounds mean but, how many thirteen year olds are really going to recognize the godzilla theme or point out the AKIRA bike? The effects are great – it is a Spielberg film after all. But, it is one of those Spielberg films were he pretty much just called it in.

7.)White Boy Rick

It’s the story of a SNITCH. A hollywood story about a real life snitch. Can’t sugar coat it. It is what it is. Ruste Cohle is still awesome in anything he’s in (I know that’s not his real name).

8.)ACTION POINT

The boys from Jackass returned to theaters in this comedic production based on the real life New Jersey theme park ACTION PARK. ACTION PARK was notorious for it’s amazingly dangerous rides and attractions that claimed the lives of a few people. Action Point has most of your familiar favorites performing real life stunts and acting as best as they could. It’s actually a shame that Knoxville doesn’t do more serious films. RENT IT.

9.)HOT SUMMER NIGHTS

I love Maika Monroe. Ever since I saw her in ‘IT FOLLOWS’. Set on Cape Cod 1991, the film tells the story of another young white kid getting caught up in drug dealing. Although this film is more or a teen neonoir in the vein of Brick however, Brick was more film noir leaning. There is a very well played scene that is acted against David Bowie’s ‘SPACE ODDITY’, I just really like music and scene mashups. If you liked it then I recommend you also watch Harmony Korine’s BULLY for a full on assault on your moral compass.

10.)Summer of 84

The Canadian film that was advertised as another Stranger Things like thing wasn’t so much Stranger Things but instead Hitchcocks ‘Rear Window’ and ‘Fright Night’. Dark Secrets hidden behind the veil of a sweet little town; sounds like a Hainesville story don’t it? The film won Best Screenplay for Matt Leslie and Stephen J. Smith at Cinepocalypse festival in Chicago. It should be on NETFLIX right now as well as some of these other films. Be sure to go and give them a viewing.

Stay chill during the Holiday season and keep your fingers on that rewind button.