Album Review: 1980 83 by David Microwave – A New Wave Time Capsule That Feels Fresh in 2018
Alright, let’s talk about 1980 83 by David Microwave. Released in 2018 via Hyperspace Communications, this album is a solid nod to the golden era of New Wave rock without feeling like some stale retro knockoff. It's got that perfect balance of nostalgia and modern edge, ya know? The whole thing feels like you’re cruising down an 80s neon-lit highway but with your phone GPS on just in case.
The tracklist hits all the right notes for fans of the genre—songs like “Young & Ready,” “I Don’t Want To Hold You,” and “Echo Night” stick out as total earworms. But if I had to pick two tracks that really stuck with me, it’d be “Permissive Attitudes” and “No Way.”
“Permissive Attitudes” has this groovy bassline that grabs you from the first second. Like, seriously, it’s impossible not to tap your foot or bob your head when this one comes on. There’s something about how laid-back yet punchy it feels—it’s kinda like David Microwave is whispering, “Hey, chill out, man,” while also being like, “But dance too!” Plus, the lyrics are sharp enough to make you think twice about what he’s saying. It’s sneaky smart, which makes it even cooler.
Then there’s “No Way.” This song slaps hard. The guitar riff alone could wake up someone who fell asleep during their morning coffee. What gets me most, though, is the energy. It’s raw and doesn’t try too hard to impress anyone, which ironically makes it super impressive. By the time the chorus kicks in, you’re basically shouting along even if you don’t know all the words (guilty).
One thing I gotta say—this album doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it doesn’t need to. Sometimes revisiting old vibes with fresh twists is exactly what we need. And honestly, listening to 1980 83 feels like hanging out with an old friend who still knows how to surprise you.
Oh, random thought—I wonder if David Microwave picked these track titles because they sound like chapter headings from some forgotten sci-fi novel. Either way, hats off to him for pulling off this vibe so well. If you dig New Wave or just wanna hear something different, give this one a spin. Who knows? You might find yourself hitting repeat more times than you expected.
Final verdict: Solid effort, dude. Now excuse me while I go listen to “Permissive Attitudes” again… maybe three more times.
