Paint Hotels offers a haunting retro alternative with their recent Lie Down. The sonic design suggests an admiration for 80s synth pop, while the vocal design traces a more modern indie influence. For us it stylistically blends the auras of Futures Islands or The National with classic vibes known to Depeche Mode and Pet Shop Boys.
Based in London and hailing from Australia, Paint Hotels makes intriguing art pop. The artist embraces an influence of contemporary artists such as The 1975, Charli XCX, Yves Tumor and Blood Orange. They describe their music as “ a combination of sincerity and fun. Deep but not that deep.” With retro flavor we think Lie Down should connect with fans of the synthwave retro throwback movement.
Hear Lie Down now on our Best New Synthwave Playlist.
Walking On The Moon. Yeah we know it. It’s one of our favorite Police songs. Gracefully innovative and showcasing all of their best traits; intricate rhythms, creative melodies, and their trademark musicianship. Only Saer would have been able to find new realms within the composition. Their version illuminates the songs exotic otherworldly appeal. It evolves the arrangement in a way that we could have imagined Peter Gabriel producing it.
It’s epic, cinematic, and inspired by another realm of World music. It’s less reggae and more futuristic world fusion. An interesting interpretation at its essence, Saer also nails the vocal and the collective performance. The version should connect with classic Police fans as well fans of retro inspired electro music at large.
Hear Saer and their version of Walking On The Moon now on our Best New Synthwave Playlist.
“Etude in Synth Tones” by Alex Klb is a mesmerizing synthwave track that skillfully combines the nostalgia of 80s music with academic influences. With its ethereal and sparkling melodies, this balanced and emotionally evocative composition takes listeners on a dreamy and inspirational journey.
Melodically brilliant and emotionally beautiful, the affect is collectively cinematic. Recalling synth waves first breakthrough, Alex Klb knows how this style can alter any mood and find the sparkle within every moment. It’s a factor that has made this style a new favorite among soundtrack coordinators, reflecting the success of the movie Drive and then the mega hit that is Stranger Things.
As a composition Etude in Synth Tones would shine through in any configuration. It’s that melodic intrigue and smart flair that draws us to his work.
Hear Etude in Synth Tones now on our Best New Synthwave Playlist.
Girlfriends and Boyfriends capture a classic vibe with their iconic Stephaney. The Vancouver based New Wave band embraces their influences while finding new realms to roam within that style.
Stephaney has the catchy energy and youthful angst that catapulted new wave internationally. It also has its own unique melodic flavor and layered sonic depth. We hear evidence of both New Order and The Smiths in both the guitar work and shimmering arrangement. The videos a nice touch too, adding to the Manchester nostalgia with its working class urban connection.
Hear Stephaney now on our Best New Synthwave Playlist.
The Wild Is Calling 