Feb 24, 2025

New Arcades – Emotional and Cinematic Synthwave Duo

Synthwave is more than just a genre—it’s a portal to another time, a neon-lit nostalgia trip that makes you feel like you’re the main character in an ‘80s action film or the tragic hero of a cyberpunk romance. Among the many talented artists keeping the spirit of retro-futurism alive, New Arcades stand out as one of the most emotional and cinematic duos in the synthwave scene.

These guys aren’t just making music—they’re crafting entire worlds with sound. Their lush, synth-heavy tracks feel like they belong in the climax of a sci-fi love story or the final scene of a movie where the protagonist drives off into a pink and purple sunset.

But who exactly are New Arcades? Why do their songs hit so hard emotionally? And what makes their brand of synthwave so immersive? Buckle up, because we’re diving deep into the music, the vibes, and the legacy of one of the most heartfelt duos in the synthwave universe.

Who Are New Arcades?

New Arcades are a London-based synthwave duo known for blending soaring melodies, heartfelt vocals, and shimmering synths to create music that feels like pure nostalgia bottled up in audio form. Imagine the perfect mix of The Midnight, Timecop1983, and a dash of M83’s cinematic energy—that’s the New Arcades sound.

Their music isn’t just about capturing the ‘80s aesthetic; it’s about translating emotion into sound. You can feel the passion in their tracks, whether it’s the pulse-pounding excitement of a high-speed chase or the bittersweet longing of a love that’s slipping away.

One of the standout things about New Arcades is their ability to tell stories through their music. Each track feels like it has a narrative, a mood, a scene in a film that doesn’t exist (but you really wish it did).

Why New Arcades Hit So Hard Emotionally

Synthwave is often associated with cool aesthetics—neon lights, retro cars, VHS filters—but New Arcades go beyond the surface level. They don’t just recreate the sounds of the past; they infuse their music with raw emotion.

Here’s what makes them stand out:

Heartfelt Lyrics – Unlike a lot of instrumental synthwave, New Arcades use lyrics to amplify the emotion in their music. Their songs often explore themes of love, longing, and self-discovery.
Cinematic Soundscapes – They don’t just make tracks; they create movie-like experiences. Listening to their music is like stepping into an alternate reality where everything is a little more epic and a lot more emotional.
Perfect Balance of Nostalgia & Modernity – While some synthwave artists go full retro, New Arcades keep one foot in the modern era. Their production is crisp and polished, making their tracks accessible even to those who didn’t grow up on ‘80s movies.

Ever had one of those moments where a song just hits differently? Maybe you’re looking out of a car window, pretending you’re in a dramatic music video. Or maybe you’re walking down the street, and suddenly everything feels like slow motion. That’s the kind of cinematic magic New Arcades bring to the table.

Synthwave & Style – Dressing the Part

Let’s be honest—synthwave isn’t just about music, it’s an entire aesthetic. It’s about stepping into a world where neon cityscapes stretch into infinity, where leather jackets and retro sunglasses are standard attire, and where time feels like it’s looping back on itself.

New Arcades capture that aesthetic sonically, but if you want to live the full experience, you need to dress the part too. That’s where Newretro.Net comes in.

Want to feel like the protagonist of your own synthwave-inspired story? A retro denim jacket does the trick.
Need the perfect pair of sunglasses to match those neon-lit city nights? We got you.
Looking for sneakers that scream ‘I belong in a cyberpunk universe’? Say no more.

Music and fashion go hand in hand, and if New Arcades are supplying the soundtrack, Newretro.Net has the wardrobe covered.

The Perfect Soundtrack for a Neon-Lit Night

There’s a certain magic that happens when you pair the right music with the right moment. New Arcades make music that feels tailor-made for those late-night drives, city strolls, and introspective moments where everything just clicks.

Driving at night? Their music makes every streetlight feel like a portal to another dimension.
Hitting the gym? Some of their more energetic tracks will make you feel like you’re training for the final showdown of an ‘80s action flick.
Need background music for deep thoughts? Their emotional ballads will have you contemplating your entire life under the glow of a neon sign.

It’s this versatility that makes New Arcades such a special duo. They’re not just making music to listen to; they’re making music to live in.

The Evolution of Their Sound

Over the years, New Arcades have fine-tuned their sound, evolving from purely nostalgic synthwave to something more dynamic and emotionally layered. While their earlier work leaned heavily into dreamy, atmospheric vibes, their later releases incorporate more live instrumentation, polished production, and even stronger vocal performances.

They’re proof that synthwave isn’t just about the past—it’s about reinterpreting the past in a way that resonates today. They embrace the aesthetics of the ‘80s, but their music feels fresh and relevant.

The Timeless Appeal of New Arcades

If there’s one thing that sets New Arcades apart, it’s their ability to create music that feels both nostalgic and timeless. Their sound isn’t just about paying tribute to the past—it’s about reimagining it in a way that makes it feel fresh, cinematic, and deeply personal.

In a world where nostalgia is often used as a gimmick, New Arcades take a different approach. They don’t just throw in some retro synths and call it a day; they craft atmospheres, emotions, and entire soundscapes that transport you somewhere else entirely.

And that’s the magic of their music—it’s not about longing for the past, but about creating new memories that feel just as vibrant and cinematic.

Essential Tracks – Where to Start with New Arcades

If you’re new to New Arcades, don’t worry—we got you covered. Here are a few tracks that serve as the perfect introduction to their world:

“Into the Unknown” – A dreamy, atmospheric track that feels like the perfect opening scene to a lost ‘80s sci-fi film.
“Solace” – Emotional, heartfelt, and cinematic—this track is what synthwave feels like.
“Irreparable” – A slow-burning, melancholic song that hits right in the feels.
“Wherever You Are” – The kind of track that makes you want to drive through a neon-lit city at midnight.

Each of these songs captures a different side of New Arcades’ sound, from their more introspective, emotional tracks to their high-energy anthems. Whether you’re in the mood for something uplifting or something a little bittersweet, they’ve got a song for it.

The Future of Synthwave & New Arcades’ Place in It

Synthwave as a genre has gone through a major evolution over the years. What started as a niche internet movement inspired by ‘80s nostalgia has grown into a full-blown cultural phenomenon. It’s in movies, video games, TV shows—even mainstream pop music has borrowed from its aesthetic.

But here’s the thing: not all synthwave artists survive the shift. As trends change, some artists struggle to adapt.

New Arcades, however, have managed to stay relevant by constantly evolving their sound without losing what makes them unique. They’ve embraced modern production techniques, collaborated with other talented artists, and kept pushing their own creative boundaries.

And let’s be real—synthwave isn’t just a passing trend. The love for retro aesthetics and cinematic music isn’t going anywhere. As long as there are people who crave music that feels like a movie, a memory, or a dream, artists like New Arcades will continue to thrive.

Living the Synthwave Lifestyle

Music is a huge part of the synthwave aesthetic, but if you’re fully committed to the retro-futuristic dream, it doesn’t stop there.

Think about it—what’s the point of listening to New Arcades’ dreamy synth anthems if you’re not dressed like you just stepped out of a neon-drenched cyberpunk city?

That’s where Newretro.Net comes in.

Want that classic retro leather jacket look? We got it.
Need aviator sunglasses to complete your synthwave protagonist aesthetic? Done.
Looking for high-top sneakers straight out of an ‘80s time warp? Say no more.

Because let’s be real—if you’re going to listen to synthwave, you might as well look like you belong in the world of Blade Runner, OutRun, or Drive. Style is part of the experience.

Why New Arcades Deserve More Recognition

Despite their incredible talent, New Arcades are still somewhat underrated compared to bigger synthwave names like The Midnight or Timecop1983. And that’s wild because they’ve got everything you could possibly want in a synthwave act:

Emotional depth – Their music isn’t just cool; it makes you feel something.
Cinematic production – Every track sounds like it could be part of a film soundtrack.
Consistent evolution – They keep refining their sound without losing their identity.
Perfect balance of nostalgia and modernity – They honor the past without being stuck in it.

It’s only a matter of time before more people catch on, but in the meantime, if you’re reading this—consider yourself ahead of the curve.

The Final Scene

New Arcades aren’t just another synthwave act. They’re storytellers, dreamers, and sonic architects of another reality. Their music isn’t just something you listen to—it’s something you experience.

Whether you’re driving through the city at night…
Walking home under flickering streetlights…
Or just sitting in your room with headphones on, lost in thought…

Their music transforms ordinary moments into cinematic ones.

And isn’t that what synthwave is all about?

So if you haven’t yet, go listen to New Arcades. Immerse yourself in their world. And while you’re at it—grab a retro denim jacket and some killer shades from Newretro.Net, because if you’re going to live the synthwave dream, you might as well look the part.

The credits are rolling, but the story? The story is just beginning.