Synthwave 2022

I don't see any signs of synthwave slowing down. On the contrary, the genre is growing and is stronger than ever. It is true that this creates bloat with a lot of artists being mediocre. However, this shouldn't dissuade anyone from seeking out those talented artists that write brilliant music. It seems the genre has grown in popularity and perhaps even recognition amongst people that don't even know what this music is. I put this on at a party one time and a person commented "This reminds of the Weeknd!" The feedback loop has begun and there's no slowing it down now. Mainstream artists have taken cues from synthwave and synthwave artists have taken cues from mainstream artists. So we get this constant supply of ideas travelling in both directions. And that's one bi-directional channel. It is well known that extreme metal influenced the darksynth lords like Fixions and Dav Dralleon. As long as these channels remain open, there will never be a shortage of fresh ideas. Synthwave is forever. Here are a few synthwave albums released in 2022 that I find spectacular.

Dav Dralleon - Kthullu

I am a sucker for darksynth, metal music, and I am a complete sucker for Lovecraft. This album delivers on all three fronts. It's a marriage of three monstrosities that was destined to be since the beginning of time. And my, what marvelous sight to behold! Much like Fixions, there's loads of chaos, but it's all tightly controlled. There's memorable moments abound amidst the jagged synth textures, sharp lead guitars, and pounding rythms. The highlight is the spectacular collaboration with Fixions on Eldritch Horror Machine.

Isidor - Portals and Dimensions

Our jet engined powered synthwave hero returns. Isidor remains as energetic as ever. He delivers aggressive rythms with melodies powerful enough go supernova. It's about as great as anything he's ever done. Go listen to this!

Miami Nights 1984 - Sentimental

Comparing this album to his classic Early Summer, Sentimental definitely feels more modern. Very familiar, yet slightly more modern feel to it. Greater variety of synth tones, and extra instruments.Touches of other synthwave artists that Miami Nights 1984 influenced himself. There's no denying the continued nostalgia vibes, but there's additional feelings in the sound. There's a certain dreamlike quality to the emotions emitted by the songs' ryhtms and melodies. It is a very enjoyable album that touches on that wistful nostalgia present on earlier Miami Nights albums while adding more contemporary chill and groovy vibes.

Stan DuClare - Fragile Dreams

This album evoked moods and sentiments withing me I didn't even know I had. At the core of all of them is this sense a wistful nostalgia and dreams filled with desires. They begin quitely and start layering delicate textures and weave heart caressing emotions until it reaches an emotional climax before fading into the ether of fragile and forgotten dreams. The songs are fairly short and the album is brief, but it is all magnificent.

Kavinsky - Reborn

It is exciting to see the return of perhaps the guy that started it all: Kavinsky. Reborn is appropriately titled: it really doesn't much like Outrun from nearly a decade ago. We are witnessing Kavinsky being reborn into a more contemporary style that borrows freely from styles outside of synthwave. He dabbles in funk, chillwave, pop, spacewave, hip hop, and more. It's a varied approach and it all flows smoothly with no jarring effect whatsoever.

RtnR - System Memory

This reminds of Lap of Luxury from the great Wolf and Raven. However, System Memory isn't characterized by luxury. It is just highly energetic party music with very bright melodies and synth tones that make you smile and have a grand old time. Everyone is invited to this party. Come dressed in your most outrageous costume!

Ideon - Forever Can Wait

I was very excited about a new Ideon release. Each new release is typically a mini-album with a mere five, six, or seven songs. But each of songs are wonderful and each mini-album punches well above its weight class. There was always a romantic nostalgia in Ideon's music. This album contains plenty of that but from a heartbreak angle. I can't fully appreciate this album as much as his other stuff for this reason. Broken heart is just not my vibe, especially when I don't have a heart (Ha!). He also won't win any singing awards, but the emotion in his voice is definitely there.

Cassetter - Lights Out

Cassetter is one of those artists that improves with every release. The main attraction is electric rythms that drive you to dance serving as the backbone to cyberpunk inspired tones and robotic textures. Make no mistake, there's quite a variety of style and technique throughout. The highlight for me is the cover of Gary Numan's Cars. It is a very splendid conver that definitely adds a unique style to an amazing song.

Neon Droid - Breach Protocol

This reminds of Cassetter. The both focus on tight beats and danceable ryhtms with cyberpunk themes. I would say that Breach Protocol is more occupied with steadier beats with slightly more jagged and rough tones for its sounds. This really does sound like it belongs in a 90's action sci-fi flick. The obvious inspiration for this album is Cyberpunk 2077, so I think it fits. Neon Droid arrived earlier in the scene and has been putting out quality music for a while now.

Prologue

Synthwave has definitely come a long way since its birth. It's nice to see the old guard return and modernize their music. Synthwave is definitely different than it was when they first pioneered the genre. Synthwave will forever mean synthesizer based music with a retro look and feel to it. It will always move forward with one foot firmly planted in the past. Retrofuturism: Looking back in order to move forward. Envisioning a future as if we where standing in the past. This creates endless possibilities. That is why synthwave will never die.