Synthwave: Sparking A Synthetic Revolution

As summer approaches, a distant kick drum thuds rhythmic; a faint beat carrying on the breeze. The cold, bleak fog of winter is lifting and the first signs of warmth are beginning to intensify. As the first rays begin to scorch the earth, a whole new soundtrack begins to gather pace, rippling with nostalgic vigour and sparking a relentless insurgence. The epicentre of such tremblings could only be traced to the rise of synthwave, a genre accelerating at an alarming rate and casting a whole new perspective on modern electronic music.

For the past decade or so, synthwave has acted as an outlet for re-imagining the sound of times gone by. Largely influenced by 1980’s films, cartoons and video games, it is predominantly an electronic brand that tingles with alluring authenticity, abundantly spreading a feeling of summery goodwill. Growing in stature more so than ever in the past few years, it is set to explode and change the way that we view music entirely.

Founded originally as an offshoot to the electronic music of the early 2000’s, synthwave roots are planted firmly in the 80’s, yet through a wormhole of sorts, it feels equally futuristic. Habitually utilising synthesizers, drum machines and other retrograde instrumentation, the best elements of contemporary pop are assimilated to create a blend of time-warping mystique that will entrap even the most cautious of listeners. This bridge between the past and the future leaves a strange sense of belonging, feeling almost organic in its ethereal construct. Vintage licks sound perfect when encountered in warm sunshine and what’s more, as the years have passed synthwave itself has expanded outwards, as most genres do. We could talk about the way THE MIDNIGHT accommodate floating saxophone, or the way CARPENTER BRUT galvanise a retro disco thrill. Each variation incites new sensations and adds colour to new age pop culture. A true aphrodisiac for the senses.

One of the most mainstream examples of synthwave is the soundtrack to the 2011 blockbuster Drive, a movie starring Ryan Gosling. The music was composed by Kavinsky, who is actually regarded as a key player in the birth of the genre. As this would suggest, synthwave lends itself well to original soundtracks, with its often instrumental nature acting as an enchanting canvas. This cinematographic identity is integral to the way that imagery is rendered, allowing the listener to become transported to a whole other world. Echoes of neon, American sunsets and childhood freedom skip by, acting as serene escapism from a fast-paced modern world. Perhaps this helps make synthwave so encapsulating, feeling like the sonic embodiment of a parallel universe, one in which pop music evolved properly. It is a saccharine taste of what could have been and it is incredibly moreish.

Often also referred to as retrowave, the physical representation of synthwave digs even deeper thanks to its close ties with the dystopian art style Cyberpunk. Much of the artwork employed throughout the abundance of synth-ridden releases is littered with neon shades atop dark colours such as black and purple. On the lighter side, we see palm trees, classic sports cars and images of old arcade games, while the ‘darkwave’ subsidiary leans more towards the inclusion of horror imagery, mostly executed with emphatic finesse. It is here that Cyberpunk lends it’s hand the most. Defined as “a genre of science fiction set in a lawless subculture of an oppressive society dominated by computer technology,” its influence seeps heavily into the synthwave realm, bringing images of futuristic anarchy and retro zest. Again this neatly links the past and the present in hypnotising style. 

The exponential rise of synthwave around the globe has empowered a wealth of dynamic bands to grab onto the ever waxing curve. Hailing from the USA come THE MIDNIGHT, a band who have grasped the very concept of synthwave in achingly idyllic fashion. Their music is tremendously melancholic and relates strongly to the idea of impermanence – we can never relive the past. Their 2018 release Kids is an ode to an 80’s childhood in which we hear references to computer games, adventure and even recordings of retro TV adverts for the likes of Blockbuster and Ghostbusters. This however is coupled with the reality of technology hijacking this innocence, with the band detailing the first sign of kids wanting to stay indoors, consumed by video games and a want for privacy. “We are not a sentimental age,” they repeat, a reminder that modern society isn’t always as beautiful as the lush synth hooks heard in such music. Nostalgia at its very finest.

GUNSHIP are currently flying the flag for British synthwave, applying a slightly different texture than their American counterparts. Slightly less silky in construct, they succeed in amassing a brighter charm that is equally reflective of yesteryear. Where THE MIDNIGHT opt to use sedate saxophone and cool soundscapes, GUNSHIP often show synthwave as a more candescent entity. Not too dissimilar to French outfit CARPENTER BRUT, who bring rapid notes and spiralling guitar solos into the forefront of their vivacious playing style. As the genre garners popularity there are countless other bands making a name for themselves, such as FM-84, PERTURBATOR and NIGHTCRAWLER to name but a few. 

In many ways the movement is still very young. Ever expanding, ever growing, it continues to spread the idea that the future can look like the past, if not only in our minds. Childish imagination is the most honest form of creation we can muster. So whether synthwave permits you to visualise palm trees, fast cars on the open road or dystopian killer robots, allowing it to alter your perspective of the world around us can only be a positive thing. Close your eyes and imagine a world that evolved the way you dreamed it would.