Timecop 1983 - Night Drive (2018)

Those that are into the synthwave/vaporwave thing may already know Timecop 1983. They (he? she?) do a mix of instrumental synthwave/retrowave kind of stuff mixed with 80s inspired (but modern feeling) pop music. This is, in my opinion, their best album.

The odd numbered tracks are vocal driven songs that range from really awesome (Static, Back To You) to just not good (Too Late). I like the arrangements and most of the vocals, but I think the album really shines in the instrumentals. The pulse their way through the album with swirls of synth. I know at least a few people reading this are into synth oriented music and I think they may dig this album, but I'd recommend it to those that also like more standard pop fare. It is an interesting mix that I think they pull off nicely.

Standout track(s):

On the Run

It Was Only A Dream

Static

Links:

Timecop 1983 Bandcamp Page*

The Midnight - Nocturnal

Of the synthwave oriented groups that include vocals I actually tend to lean more toward 'The Midnight'. Their album 'Nocturnal' is really just fantastic. It is on the short side, but it takes the vocal thing done on Timecop 1983s album and adds saxaphone and guitar/keytar solos. It is fun and has some really great tracks. Their newer album sounds a bit like M83 and I dont like it quite as much.

I think having the same vocalist for each track that has vocals creates a consistency that is not present for Timecop 1983's album (which, again, had wonderful instrumentals). The opening track, 'Shadows', is especially cool with a pitch shifty chorus/callback section. Track three, 'Collateral', has a really cool solo. Many of the tracks feature shmaltzy saxaphone that somehow just ends up being really awesome, even if it seems cheesy at first. I listen to both albums in the car a lot. Good driving music. Good coding music too, if you dont mind vocals while coding/writing.

Standout track(s):

Shadows

Collateral

Links:

The Midnight Bandcamp Page*