Synthwave (1980s)
| Synthwave | |
|---|---|
| Stylistic origins | New wave, dark wave, synthpop, electropunk, post-industrial |
| Cultural origins | Late 1970s |
| Typical instruments | Synthesizers (analog, digital), drum machines |
| Derivative forms | Electronic body music, new beat, electroclash |
Synthwave and electro-wave[1][2] are 1980s terms that describe the electronic, synthesizer-based variant of new wave[3] and dark wave music[1] in contrast to the more guitar-oriented variants of these genres (see cold wave and gothic rock).
Some bands that have been associated with the style were Depeche Mode,[4] Psyche,[5] Invisible Limits,[6] Fortification 55, Wasted Doom,[2] Metronic,[7] The Eternal Afflict,[8] Second Decay,[9] Deine Lakaien, and Drown for Resurrection.[10]
Caused by the restricted modifiability of early types of synthesizers, synthwave of the late 1970s/early 1980s often uses minimalist sound structures that have been described as minimal wave.
Another term of the style was techno-wave.[11][12] In the 1980s, the term "techno" was an abbreviation of "technological" and did not describe a specific genre of electronic dance music until 1987/88.
References
- 1 2 SPEX music magazine, page 57, issue 6, 1986
- 1 2 E.B. music magazine, page 7, issue 10, 1987
- ↑ SPEX music magazine, page 5, issue 7/8, 1981
- ↑ Sven Freuen / Ulrich Hinz: Biography of Depeche Mode, Zillo music magazine, issue 9/90, page 11, September 1990
- ↑ Sven Freuen / Ulrich Hinz: Interview with the Canadian band Psyche, Zillo music magazine, issue 12/91, page 24, Dezember 1991
- ↑ Sven Freuen: Interview with Invisible Limits, Zillo music magazine, issue 12/91, page 34, Dezember 1991
- ↑ Armin Johnert: Metronic – Mystic Moods, New Life sound magazine, issue 1/92, page 4, June 1992
- ↑ Vertigo music magazine: Review of „Jahwe Koresh“ The Eternal Afflict, issue 6, page 47, Winter 1993
- ↑ Sven Freuen: Review of „Killing Desire“ by Second Decay, New Life sound magazine, issue 46, December 1989, page 11
- ↑ Side Line Musikmagazin: Drown for Resurrection – Another Failed Legend?, issue 9, page 27, July 1993
- ↑ The Sound Engineering Magazine, page 28, 1984
- ↑ Ira A. Robbins / Greg Fasolino: The Trouser Press Record Guide, page 230, Collier Books 1991, ISBN 978-0020363613
"When Fahrenheit 451 crumbled in '87, Maroulis joined up with Rae and Young, added a guitarist and proceeded as Executive Slacks, evolving into a strangely compelling merger of hard rock and techno-wave."