Gunship – Cinematic Synthwave with a Rock Influence

Synthwave has a way of transporting you straight into a neon-soaked dreamscape—one where the city skyline glows in electric pink, the roads stretch infinitely under flickering streetlights, and the future feels like it's permanently stuck in 1985. But if there's one band that doesn’t just ride this aesthetic but owns it, it's Gunship.

Gunship isn’t your typical synthwave act. While many artists in the genre focus on atmospheric nostalgia and dreamy electronic landscapes, Gunship cranks the energy dial to eleven. Their music is where synthwave meets rock, where cinematic storytelling collides with high-energy, bass-heavy anthems. If synthwave were a movie, Gunship would be the over-the-top, action-packed, VFX-heavy blockbuster.

A Soundtrack for the Retro-Futuristic Apocalypse

Imagine a cyberpunk movie that never existed, but should have. That’s what listening to Gunship feels like. Their tracks are drenched in moody, futuristic vibes, yet they carry the pulse of a rock band that isn’t afraid to push the limits.

Gunship takes heavy inspiration from the synth-laden soundscapes of the ‘80s but injects a level of intensity that makes their music feel grand and cinematic. It’s not just “background music for when you’re coding in a dimly lit room” (although, let’s be real, it works for that too). It’s music that demands your attention.

• Their self-titled debut album (Gunship, 2015) was an instant hit, setting a new standard for synthwave with tracks like Fly For Your Life and Tech Noir (which, by the way, features a monologue from John Carpenter himself. Talk about setting the mood.)
• Their second album, Dark All Day (2018), took things up another notch, featuring guest artists from the world of rock and metal, giving their music an even sharper edge.
• And their latest album, Unicorn (2023), proves that their ability to mix nostalgia with innovation is as strong as ever.

Why Gunship Stands Out

There’s plenty of synthwave music out there, but Gunship stands apart for several reasons:

1. They Treat Their Music Like a Movie

   • Gunship isn’t just about making great music; they craft an experience. Every track feels like it could be the theme song to a forgotten 1980s sci-fi film.
   • Their music videos are filled with stunning animation and VFX that look like they belong in an anime-meets-Blade-Runner universe.

2. Synthwave Meets Rock and Metal

   • While many synthwave artists stick to dreamy, atmospheric synths, Gunship shreds.
   • Their collaborations with rock and metal musicians bring a whole new level of intensity to their sound.

3. Lyrics That Tell a Story

   • While some synthwave artists keep it instrumental, Gunship’s lyrics are deep, dark, and often emotional, making their music feel more personal and immersive.
   • Whether they’re singing about neon-lit dystopias, lost love, or the fight against an unseen enemy, every track paints a vivid picture.

Gunship’s Retro Aesthetic – More Than Just Music

Gunship doesn’t just sound like the retro-futuristic dream of a 1980s arcade; they look the part too. Their album art, music videos, and entire branding are drenched in classic cyberpunk aesthetics—neon lights, VHS static, vintage synths, and all the gritty textures of a forgotten era.

And let’s be honest—if you’re a fan of Gunship, chances are, you love retro aesthetics too. The whole synthwave lifestyle is about embracing the past while pushing toward the future. That’s why their music pairs perfectly with brands that get the retro vibe right.

Like, for example, Newretro.Net.

If you’ve ever thought, Man, I wish I could dress like the protagonist of a synthwave action movie, then you need to check out Newretro.Net. We’re talking retro-inspired denim jackets, leather bombers, futuristic sunglasses, and sneakers straight out of an ‘80s cyberpunk anime. If Gunship’s music could be turned into clothing, it would probably look something like what Newretro.Net sells. Just saying.

The Cinematic Experience of Gunship

Listening to Gunship is more than just putting on music—it’s an event. Their tracks are filled with epic orchestral builds, haunting synth melodies, and guitar solos that would make any ‘80s rock band proud. It’s no surprise their music often feels like a film soundtrack.

And speaking of film soundtracks—let’s talk about Tech Noir.

This track is the ultimate homage to 1980s sci-fi cinema. From its name (a reference to the nightclub in The Terminator) to its hauntingly nostalgic sound, it’s a track that immediately transports you to a smoky, dimly lit bar where cyborg assassins lurk in the shadows.

Other tracks, like Dark All Day, take a different approach, bringing in saxophone solos (shoutout to Tim Cappello, aka the sax guy from The Lost Boys) to create a vampiric, cinematic anthem. Seriously, what other synthwave band is out here bringing in legendary sax players for a horror-synth masterpiece?

Gunship has a knack for making music that feels larger than life. They don’t just craft songs—they create worlds. Every track they release could be the theme song to an action-packed neon-drenched movie that only exists in your imagination.

And that’s where we’ll leave it... for now. Because trust me, there’s still so much more to say about Gunship’s sound, their influence, and why they continue to push the boundaries of synthwave.

Stay tuned, because we’re just getting started.

Gunship’s Influence on the Synthwave and Rock Scene

Gunship isn’t just another synthwave band—they’re a force that has reshaped the genre. By fusing cinematic storytelling, rock energy, and electronic nostalgia, they’ve carved out a unique space that feels both familiar and innovative.

Their music isn’t just for synthwave fans. It appeals to:

• Rock and metal enthusiasts who love the heavy guitar riffs and high-energy compositions.
• Retro-futurists who dream of neon-lit skylines and cyberpunk landscapes.
• Movie and gaming fans who appreciate soundtracks that tell a story.

Their influence extends far beyond the music scene. Many synthwave producers today take cues from Gunship, incorporating heavier beats, cinematic arrangements, and actual lyrics—something that wasn’t always common in the genre.

Collaborations That Prove Gunship is in a League of Its Own

One of the things that set Gunship apart is their collaborations with big names from the rock, metal, and pop-culture world. They aren’t afraid to bring in talent from completely different genres to add new dimensions to their sound.

For example:

• John Carpenter (yes, that John Carpenter) delivered a spoken-word intro for Tech Noir, instantly giving the track a legendary status.
• Tim Cappello, the iconic saxophonist from The Lost Boys, played on Dark All Day, making the song feel like an 80s vampire movie anthem.
• Frank Klepacki, known for composing the epic Command & Conquer soundtracks, added his signature power to Cyber City.

These collaborations make it clear—Gunship isn’t just playing within the synthwave genre. They’re expanding it.

The Perfect Soundtrack for a Cyberpunk Lifestyle

Gunship’s music feels tailor-made for cyberpunk settings—whether in movies, games, or your own life. If you’ve ever walked through a city at night with their music in your headphones, you know what I mean. The way the synths pulse, the drums hit, and the vocals soar—it makes every moment feel like a scene from a futuristic thriller.

If you’re into:

• Cyberpunk 2077
• Blade Runner
• Ghost in the Shell
• Neon-lit cityscapes
• Retro-futuristic fashion

Then Gunship is your band.

And speaking of retro-futuristic fashion…

Dressing the Part – Retro Aesthetics in Fashion

If you’re going to immerse yourself in the synthwave world, why not look the part? Gunship’s aesthetic isn’t just about sound—it’s about style. Their album covers, music videos, and overall vibe scream cyberpunk-meets-80s-action-movie.

That’s where brands like Newretro.Net come in.

Gunship fans love retro-futuristic fashion, and Newretro.Net delivers exactly that—denim jackets, leather bombers, futuristic sunglasses, and sneakers that feel ripped straight from an 80s sci-fi flick. If you’ve ever wanted to dress like you just stepped out of a neon-lit cyberpunk cityscape, this is where you start.

Because let’s be real—if you’re vibing to Dark All Day or Cyber City, you need to look like you belong in that world.

Gunship’s Legacy and the Future of Synthwave

Gunship has already cemented their place as one of the greatest synthwave acts ever, but they’re far from done. With each album, they continue to push the boundaries of what synthwave can be.

• Their cinematic approach has inspired countless new artists.
• Their rock and metal influence has brought a new audience into the synthwave fold.
• Their visual storytelling has set a new standard for music videos in the genre.

And most importantly—they’re keeping the synthwave dream alive.

Gunship isn’t just about nostalgia. They’re about taking the best parts of the past and launching them into the future. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering them, one thing is for sure—Gunship is a band you don’t just listen to. You experience them.

So plug in, turn up the volume, and let Gunship take you on a cinematic, neon-soaked journey through time.