New Romantic Rock
tagStarted 1979Peak 1981-1984Last big hit 1985From United Kingdom
Located in 2 routes
Glamorous, theatrical post-punk that traded grime for hedonism: lush synths, fretless or funk bass, art-rock arrangements and dramatic, crooned vocals, all wrapped in costume, makeup and androgynous style. Romantic, decadent and cinematic rather than nihilistic. Opulent, fashion-forward, electro-disco-tinged and consciously theatrical.
History
Born from London's Billy's and Blitz clubs (1978-80), where Steve Strange and Rusty Egan spun Bowie and Roxy Music. The scene's house bands Visage and Spandau Ballet, plus Japan and Adam and the Ants, fused glam theatricality with synths and funk. Glossy videos made it a Second British Invasion staple before it dissolved into mainstream 80s pop.
Defining artists
Essential listening
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Romantic
- https://www.allmusic.com/style/new-romantic-ma0000002748
- https://www.classicpopmag.com/features/the-new-romantics/