Tag: 80s

Power pop was (is?) a strange phenomenon. Despite the big hooks, melodic overtones and just enough of a punk edge to keep things interesting, it never really caught on in a huge way. Although it’s made inroads into new wave and, more recently, indie pop, the leaders of the subgenre still remain fairly underground, with a few notable exceptions (Cheap Trick and The Romantics are among the few artists with major radio hits). It should be no surprise then, that in Christian circles, artists in the style were even fewer.… Continued →

My song for the day is from a newer indie-pop artist by the name of Teddy At Night. Teddy (Boldt) played drums for bands like Wavorly, Family Force 5, and more recently For King & Country, as well as many others. On his first solo endeavor as singer/songwriter, his songs take on more of a pop sheen, sprinkled with a heavy dose of 80’s like synth driven new wave. These are songs for the broken-hearted, the lovers, and the seekers. These beautifully composed pop inspired takes are interwoven with a certain level of professionalism mixed with Teddy’s unforgettable vocal delivery.… Continued →

Mad at the World has had a very interesting and diverse career as a band. They started out doing somewhat dark synth-pop on their self-titled debut (in the vein of Depeche Mode, New Order, Clan of Xymox), then added guitars to their new wave sound for Flowers in the Rain. By their third album, they ditched the synths and morphed into a full-fledged alternative rock band with metallic influences. This carried on for three albums (Seasons of Love, Boomerang, and Through the Forest).… Continued →

After releasing last year’s opus Young in My Head, Starflyer 59 are already back. The veteran indie rock band have just released a new single, “This Recliner” and boy oh boy is it good! Fueled by inspiration from the best of his 80s new wave AND shoegaze influences (The Church, Psychedelic Furs, Jesus and Mary Chain, et. al.), the man truly knows how to write a pop song. Sometimes I think his skill lies in brevity. Rather than dragging stuff out, founder Jason Martin always leaves you wanting just a little bit more.… Continued →

Family Force 5 have returned to the music scene with a vengeance and are here to take over the pop spectrum with their heavy dose of HOT 80’s dance like anthems with modern sensibilities. That’s not all though because the group is now a duo of the brothers Josh and Jacob Olds under the name FF5. This new EP “El Compadre” combines the best elements of their “Dance Or Die” record and turns it up to 11. Everything you loved about past Family Force 5 material is now clearly evident in this new creation.… Continued →

LEDGES' debut album is an ambitious release that proves they're not afraid to take risks.

Author's sophomore release takes the best of "Of Brighter Days" and tops it off with synths and 80s influence for an album that's full of energy and technicality.

Here is my “deluxe” review list for 2017 – 20 great albums paired with 17 EPs you shouldn’t overlook. This year, we saw strong releases from veteran acts and new groups alike, and they certainly weren’t confined to one genre. Hopefully you can find a new artist through the list below – and please let me know your opinions in the comments! *Denotes IVM Artist Albums 1.*’68 – Two Parts Viper This abrasive return to form by one of our generation’s most iconic rock duos manages to top their previous release, with a succulent mix of rock, grunge, hardcore, funk, and plenty of passion.… Continued →

CPR Band (a Petra-related project) have released their album “Back to the Rock II” on their website. “Back to the Rock II” is a continuation of Classic Petra’s 2010 album “Back to the Rock”, featuring 9 re-recorded Petra songs and an Aerosmith cover. CPR Band (not to be confused with the Thumperpunk Records band CPR) is a comprised of Petra members Greg X Volz, John Lawry, Louie Weaver, and Ronny Cates, as well as Kirk Henderson of Pieces of Eight. It all started when a friend of Louie’s approached him one day and said, “Louie, I believe God wants you guys to do another CD.… Continued →

South of Royal debuts a hazy and bright worship EP saturated in synth-rock and 80s influences.

Members of Guardian and Whitecross are teaming up to record a new EP and play some shows. You can help them out on Pledgemusic.… Continued →

While The Peace of Wild Things was a fan favorite, Paper Route's ambitious sixteen-track return certainly holds its ground.

Wisconsin-based pop group Loftland called it quits only to quickly reveal their new single under the name TENNIES. Check out Do What We Want, a track steeped in 80s analog synths and Justin Timberlake-esque vocals. You can find TENNIES on Facebook and other social media outlets. … Continued →

Jerry Fee has released a lyric video for the track “Mystery”. Check it out below. His music can be described as “lush, synth-pop and new wave sounds of his childhood.” His new EP will be released soon.… Continued →