Subtle and patient songwriting abound in Waveshaper’s latest full-length offering
Outrun
The best synthwave albums of 2018.
Wolf and Raven reveal their creative process, favorite video games, go-to snack foods, and more in this full interview.
The best albums made in the original style of synthwave music, outrun.
Magenta Nights is a highly polished gem of true synthwave music.
Outdated songwriting and repetitive compositions outweigh a few redeeming tracks
An in-depth look at the history, present, and future of the synthwave genre.
Rating: 90 / 100 Neon Droid’s Sunset Trilogy masterfully combines diverse musical styles and instrumentation for an exciting creation at the frontiers of modern synthwave and darksynth.
Rating: 65 / 100 Tokyo Rose’s long-awaited full-length album is a moderately enjoyable release burdened by monotony and outdated songwriting.
The Top 10 Synthwave Albums of 2017, including links to in-depth reviews of each entry.
Rating: 95 / 100 “Cosmic Boundaries is arguably the finest release from Phaserland to date, and once the shape and overall composition of the album become familiar, it can be enjoyed from start to finish without a single dip or break in its overall quality. The many inspired touches amid Phaserland’s careful compositions are a joy to discover and experience, and the true brilliance of the recording becomes clearer on each consecutive playthrough.”
Rating: 86 / 100 “Archeosynth is an undeniably spirited and original creation that succeeds in the artist’s goal to create a synth-based exploration of themes of ancient civilizations. The result is a satisfying conceptual voyage into history, science fiction, and superstition. The bold innovation and undeniable technical skill on display make Archeosynth one of the most remarkable albums of the year, even if some of its songs tend to be more rewarding than others.”
Rating: 87 / 100 “Ace Marino’s dedication to the heart of synthwave music and his skillful implementation of the style is a welcome contribution to a scene that has increasingly lost touch with its roots. The result is a piece of ’80s-infused synth nostalgia that can be enjoyed and revisited numerous times.”
Rating: 83 / 100 “In a year when several of synthwave’s founding artists have struggled to create quality music, Overvad delivers a meaningful tribute to the sounds of Synthwave 1.0. His intelligent and innovative approach to songwriting frequently surpasses the repetitive structure of his inspirations, offering a fresh reminder of what made synthwave great in the first place.”
Rating: 95 / 100 “An assortment of nostalgic effects and melodies form the foundation of a modern musical artifact that is genuinely retro without pandering to generic commercial sensibilities. The song entries are packed with elegant and memorable moments, and they canvas the recording’s running length to create a true synthwave space epic.”