Browsing Tag

80s

80s icon, Rocketball 007 has made a spacey comeback with his single, I Can’t Look at You Enough

Posted on 10 November 2022

Originally formed in the 80s and with multiple 7” records on the Punk Collector’s List, we’re stoked to have Rocketball 007’s latest single, I Can’t Look at You Enough, in our ears.

With a sound frequently assimilated yet rarely authenticated, the synth-driven, spacey-with-romanticism single would be right at home on the Wild at Heart soundtrack. Through the crooning into the reverb vocals and the scintillating retro analog synths, which stab right into the beating heart of the atmospheric release, it imparts ample neon synaesthesia. Any true 80s pop fans will want to jump on I Can’t Look at You Enough like cats on catnip. It isn’t every day that you get to revel in the real visceral deal.

I Can’t Look at You Enough is now on Spotify, and Rocketball 007’s entire discography is available to stream and purchase on Bandcamp.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Jermare Harrison spills all in his synthy 80s RnB pop single, Secret to Tell

Posted on 9 November 2022

American singer-songwriter Jermare Harrison doused us in 80s soul with his divinely synthy seminal single, Secret to Tell, which flows in the same lush vein as icons Soul II Soul and Alexander O’Neal, with plenty of room for authenticity to spare.

The beckoning lyrics through his smooth RnB pop harmonies invite the listener into the intimacy of his candour while the mellow percussion and soft synth layers orchestrate a dreamy sense of catharsis. It’s a timeless classic single from the artist who made his debut in 2015 after immersing himself in the performing arts world at the age of five. We can’t wait to hear what’s next from the impassionedly talented artist.

Secret to Tell is available to stream via Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Super Love showed us the light side of ‘The Moon’ in their latest 80s-inspired polyphonic alt-pop single.

Posted on 15 April 2022

Here with another slice of polyphonic 80s alt-pop nostalgia is the indie power couple Super Love; their synergy and chemistry more than translated in ‘The Moon’.

Oscar Wilde may have created the old gutters and stars adage, but why get your interstellar bliss from anyone else but someone already living it? Metaphorically speaking, of course, but you get the gist.

Despite the instrumental minimalism, The Moon is radiant under the polyphonic keys, the low and almost dreamy basslines and vocals that effortlessly exude a Blondie-level of cool while wrestling with sticky-sweet lyricism.

The Moon will officially release on April 15th; you can check it out for yourselves via SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

SAL delivered a ‘Bullet in the Heart’ in her latest retro pop earworm

Posted on 13 April 2022

It was only a few days ago that Amanda Palmer’s tweet “all I can handle right now is Enya” deservedly went viral; the up-and-coming artist, SAL may just be an exception to that rule with her latest 80s-inspired pop earworm, Bullet in the Heart.

The smooth release is as heavy on the nostalgia as it is on the soul as it moves through the retro synth chord progressions and endlessly cathartic melodies which fuse with SAL’s sweeter than honey vocal timbre that brings a vibrant and vital sense of warmth to Bullet in the Heart. The indie RnB pop nuances also bring yet another intimately hypnotic element to the single that deserves to be on every radio station’s A-list.

Bullet in the Heart officially launched on April 8th. You can check it out for yourselves by heading over to SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Revel in the lovesick euphoria in Analog Beach’s synthpop-meets-indie-rock single, See You Tonight

Posted on 12 March 2022

80s synthpop grooves against angular indie-rock in the NJ-based up-and-coming duo, Analog Beach’s latest convergence of the past and future, See You Tonight. The vocal lines in the chorus easily become the sharpest of hooks, and that’s before you even get to the instrumentals that put white-hot guitar solos against colourful retro synths.

Fans of The Midnight, Wolf Club, and FM-84 will easily make a playlist staple out of this sweet affectionate hit, which doesn’t sugar coat affection. Instead, Analog Beach thrives while narrating just how emotionally crippling infatuation can be. Not all artists succeed in combining reality and romanticism, yet notably, Analog beach is anything but your average artist experimenting with tones and coming up with catchy lyrics. There’s substance by the smorgasbord in this euphorically bright hit that is sure to see the duo go far in 2022 and beyond.

The radio edit of See You Tonight is now available to stream via Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

New Jersey’s Morningside Lane hears that heartbeat that steams up the room on ‘Like A Season’

Posted on 15 February 2022

While the sizzling heat rises to induce a sweaty climate as the neighbour’s lights turn on frantically, Morningside Lane returns with the hot new single all about being with someone so passionate that the whole area knows what’s going on with ‘Like A Season‘.

Morningside Lane is a Palisades Park, New Jersey-based 4-piece indie-pop/rock band that has formulated a style that has you tapping your feet and grooving to the rhythm presented.

”The band is currently creating brand new music, geared towards a modern 80s pop/synth sound.” ~ Morningside Lane

This is an experienced outfit that is only interested in entertaining at the loudest possible level and are their effusive best with a lightning rod of a track that sends shockwaves through your intrigued spine. Morningside Lane is the type of band that your whole family could love, as they bring a variety of thrilling soundscapes that has your ears perked up and your body enthused by the whole venture.

‘Like A Season‘ from the Palisades Park, New Jersey pop-rockers Morningside Lane, is a striking tale about wondering if things will ever calm down or keep you up all night. With that 80s ambience and filled with a real sizzle of intent from a band who have cultivated their sound just right, this is a track that will have you in a nostalgic dream filled with imagination.

Listen in to this new release on Spotify and check out the IG page for more.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Detroit rock/metal band Hyperiff misses that recognizable world on ‘Take Me Back’

Posted on 31 January 2022

Asking us to guide them through the darkness that has engulfed a world that has undoubtedly transformed drastically from their educated viewpoint, Hyperiff urge those happy times to return quickly on their epic new single called ‘Take Me Back‘.

Hyperiff is a Metro Detroit, USA-based 3-piece rock/metal band who seem to only make those cinematic masterstrokes that have the hairs on the back of your neck standing up to attention.

With an electric arrangement that takes your mind back to the classic memories of the ’80s, Hyperiff dazzle in stupendous fashion with a single that will have you gazing outside and recalling the past moments that you treasure fondly.

‘Take Me Back‘ from the melodically infused Metro Detroit, USA-based rock/metal act Hyperiff, is a deeply personal song that has you gliding up to the sky and going on a journey back to that place that felt so warm and safe. Sung with a heightened touch by a singer who lets us into her emotional picture of trauma – this is a simply ear-catching single – made with such tender care and love.

Sometimes the world seems ugly and hides away the healthy light, as we hold that caring person’s hand and find that happy place again.

Listen to this powerful new release on Soundcloud and see more on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Poetry and Electronic Post-Punk Collide in The Ninth Configuration’s Latest Single, Love is a Want of Reason

Posted on 20 November 2021

If artists climbed the charts on the poetic intrigue of their track titles alone, the UK-based outfit, The Ninth Configuration, would never leave the top of the billboard charts with their latest single, Love is a Want of Reason.

Even before you hit play on the track, you’re desperate to hear what introspective gold is nestled inside. Hint, you definitely won’t be disappointed. The dark electronic post-punk single has exactly what it takes to win over Alex Cameron and Jack Ladder fans with the crooned indie post-punk vocals that effortlessly fall into the synthesised pool of relatable melancholia.

The official music video for Love is a Want of Reason is now available to stream on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Trust The Process: New Jersey pop rock act Morningside Lane urge us to keep the faith on ‘Good Men’

Posted on 1 November 2021

Inspired by The 1975, The Killers, and Dua Lipa, Morningside Lane are back with some sumptuciously memorable melodies to make that heart feel warmer again despite the cold winds around the corner on ‘Good Men‘.

Morningside Lane is a Palisades Park, New Jersey-based indie pop rock band who throw in their own spin of 80’s inspired synth-soaked treats to evoke memories you can’t ever forget.

This is one of the more mood-transforming songs of the year as everything heard is neatly packaged to only lace in, a blend of wonderous goodness over all of our starved-for-real bodies. With freshly formed vocals and a sonic soundscape to take all the pressure off – this is a delightful effort from a top class band – who seem to only get better after each release.

‘Good Men‘ from the Palisades Park, New Jersey-based indie pop rock outfit Morningside Lane, is that let-the-universe-decide-your-journey that is made with a calming texture of love to make everything seem okay again. There is a natural energy here that is rather transfixing and so pleasant to hear – as the reverb and delay seems to mesh so sweetly like candy in your mouth- as we are transformed into the sky above where everything is so peaceful. This is the type of track to put on late at night after work, as you close your eyes to imagine a better world for all.

Check out this fine new single on Spotify and see more via the IG music page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

That Peaceful Place: Martin Packwood is rather special with Jazz-inspired debut single ‘Daydreamer’

Posted on 17 October 2021

With his highly anticipated full album set for release in 2022, Martin Packwood soothes all our worries away with one of the most peaceful instrumental-only songs you will hear all year with ‘Daydreamer‘.

Martin Packwood is a solo recording Jazz guitarist and a retired software engineer, who was most active while playing extensively back in the 70’s and 80’s in Birmingham, UK.

You feel like he is playing above the clouds as he is floating around with a massive grin on his face, jamming his trusty guitar because he loves it. There is so much to respect about an artist who has made a comeback after working on his business, who plays with a sterling blend of excellence which is such a blessing to witness.

‘Daydreamer‘ from the skilled software engineer and Jazz guitarist Martin Packwood, is a lovely piece of music from a highly experienced musician. After reconnecting the much-missed love for his true passion again recently, you feel this raw emotion inside his experienced fingers which absolutely transforms this wonderful single. There is much to hold onto here, as this ravishing riff is just so perfectly constructed with much love attached.

Sometimes you just need to lather in peaceful ambiance, to break away from all of the distracting noise of this pollution-filled world.

Hear this delightful debut on Spotify.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen