Back to the 80s

Luis Toruno, highlights contributor

Last month marked the 30th anniversary of one of the most memorable buddy-cop shows that has ever graced our television sets: “Miami Vice.” And odds are, if you look hard enough in the back of your parent’s closet, you’ll find a dingy cardboard box filled with classics like these and much more, all in a convenient VHS format. After perusing the vast collection of video cassettes, you might find yourself wanting to relive that first moment you first saw Detective Sonny Crockett cruise down Ocean Drive with Phil Collin’s “In The Air Tonight” crooning in the background. Alas, manually rewinding the tape is too much work. Thankfully, you need not look further than your own personal computing device to discover an underground movement, known as Retrowave, that is dedicated to reviving moments like these from the bygone era of neon-lights, Miami nights, and cheesy action-movie fights.

Retrowave, also known as Synthwave, first emerged as an electronic dance music sub-genre that gained popularity in the mid-2000s following the rise of musicians that took influence from 1980s cinematic soundtracks and synthpop musicians. Pioneers of the Retrowave genre include artists such as Kavinsky, Electric Youth, and College. While these artists in particular have taken influence from popular genres, such as house music and synthpop, other artists take inspiration from more eclectic sources. For example, Power Glove, an Australian duo who gained critical acclaim for the soundtrack of Ubisoft’s video game “Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon,”personify the chrome-and-blood encrusted cyberpunk subculture of the mid-1980’s.

Luis Toruno/highlights

Some artists have had greater exposure due to the inclusion of their tracks in popular movies, television shows, and video games. In fact, it was movies like 2011’s “Drive,” starring Ryan Gosling, that helped bring Retrowave to the public eye. Tracks like Kavinsky’s “Nightcall” and “A Real Hero” by College and Electric Youth received acclaim from critics and audiences alike. Capitalizing on the success of “Drive,” other filmmakers also sought to produce movies based on the culture of the 80s.

In most modern day films that imbue the nostalgia of the 80s, filmmakers strive to use classic movie tropes that hearken back to the bygone era of scan lines and video cassettes, while using modern techniques and topics to enhance the overall quality of the film. “Drive” is a prime example of this. However, some filmmakers gleefully employ cheesy science-fiction, action, and horror cliches designed to enhance the ironic quality of the movies themselves. For example, Adam Sandberg’s “Kung Fury” tells the story of Kung Fury, a Miami-Dade cop trained in the art of Kung Fu, who is forced to avenge his partner and police chief after Hitler (A.K.A. the Kung Fuhrer) travels through time to kill those close to Kung Fury. The movie also features a music video with David Hasselhoff sporting a varsity jacket and driving a Ferrari. Interestingly, independent production companies tend to employ these techniques more than major film companies. Creative freedom comes with a hefty price, however. Most films under this sub genre tend to have very low budgets and limited releases. Despite this, many Retrowave-inspired movies have gained cult status.

In spite of the underground nature of the Retrowave subculture, fans have dedicated their time to promoting the retro-dream of the 80s through cinema, music, and television. Dust off your old Ray-Ban sunglasses and leather jacket, because the cheesiest era in American history is back.