7 Songs Like Nightcall: You Can’t Miss Them!

Hey there music enthusiasts, it’s your main man, DJ Tbone here! Now, if you’re anything like me, you’re still haunted by the sublime beats of Kavinsky’s ‘Nightcall.’ Its hauntingly beautiful synth-driven music vibe still reverberates in our hearts, doesn’t it?

This masterpiece got me so hooked, I took a deep dive into the music realm to unearth more tracks like it.

With this in mind, I’ve created a list of seven spectacular songs that encapsulate that same atmospheric, synthwave magic.

So, ready your headphones, folks, because we’re about to embark on a sonic journey that will leave you spellbound. Tune in and turn up the volume!

Here are the songs like Nightcall that you can check out:

List Of Songs Like Nightcall

Songs like Nightcall in a list format:

1. Desire – “Under Your Spell”

From the album “II” released in 2009 under Italians Do It Better label, “Under Your Spell” by Desire is one of the songs that immediately pulls your heartstrings. Desire’s chilling and entrancing beats, coupled with Megan Louise’s airy vocals, are a recipe for a track that seizes your senses. The reason this song makes the list is its irresistible power to immerse you in a similar manner to ‘Nightcall.’ The added magic is Johnny Jewel (also from Chromatics) working the synth, which makes it a musical treat you can’t miss.

2. Gunship – “Tech Noir”

“Tech Noir” by Gunship, taken from their self-titled album “Gunship” (2015) and released under Horsie In The Hedge, has the synthwave essence flowing through every note. With its perfect blend of atmospheric synths, Dan Haigh’s vocals, and a narrative style, it echoes the haunting aura of ‘Nightcall.’ The song also features a guest performance by John Carpenter, making it a unique sonic experience.

3. Electric Youth – “Innocence”

Next, we have Electric Youth’s “Innocence” from the album “Innerworld” (2014), released under Last Gang Records. With Bronwyn Griffin’s ethereal vocals and Austin Garrick’s spellbinding synth work, it creates an ambiance that’s both nostalgic and futuristic, much like ‘Nightcall.’ The song also boasts a powerful guitar solo by Tommy Lee James, a sonic treat you can’t ignore.

4. Chromatics – “Shadow”

From the album “Cherry” (2016) and released under Italians Do It Better, Chromatics’ “Shadow” is another synth-pop gem. The dreamy vocal delivery by Ruth Radelet and the synth-heavy production curated by Johnny Jewel give this track a haunting yet captivating vibe, which is reminiscent of ‘Nightcall.’

5. College & Electric Youth – “A Real Hero”

“A Real Hero” by College & Electric Youth, part of the “Drive” soundtrack (2011) released by Lakeshore Records, is a song that shares a direct connection with ‘Nightcall.’ It boasts a compelling melody delivered through David Grellier (College) and Electric Youth’s combined genius, creating a sense of profound nostalgia, a sensation ‘Nightcall’ fans know all too well.

6. M83 – “Midnight City”

From the album “Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming” (2011) released under Naïve, M83’s “Midnight City” has the synth-pop flavor that made ‘Nightcall’ an iconic track. Anthony Gonzalez and Morgan Kibby’s energetic and emotive delivery coupled with the intoxicating saxophone solo by James King, make it a synthwave must-listen.

7. Perturbator – “Sentient”

Last but not least, “Sentient” by Perturbator from the album “The Uncanny Valley” (2016), released under Blood Music, is a darker take on the synthwave genre. Its ominous tone and cinematic quality, along with the hypnotizing vocals by Hayley Stewart (Dead Astronauts), offer a different, more intense twist on the ‘Nightcall’ formula, making it an essential addition to this list.

Fun Facts: Similar to Nightcall

1. Desire – “Under Your Spell”

Did you know that “Under Your Spell” was actually featured in the cult movie “Drive,” the same film that made ‘Nightcall’ a global phenomenon? The song perfectly complemented the film’s atmospheric neo-noir theme, and consequently gained a massive surge in popularity.

2. Gunship – “Tech Noir”

Here’s something intriguing: “Tech Noir” is named after the nightclub in the movie “The Terminator” (1984). The song’s music video is a claymation tribute to 80s action and horror movies. It’s a retro throwback not only in music but also in its visual representation.

3. Electric Youth – “Innocence”

Here’s an interesting tidbit about “Innocence” – the song was inspired by the essence of childhood memories and their lasting impression into adulthood. Electric Youth aimed to encapsulate the innocence of youth through the song, hence the name.

4. Chromatics – “Shadow”

Fun fact about “Shadow”: it was chosen as the musical centerpiece for the premiere episode of “Twin Peaks: The Return” (2017). It was performed by Chromatics in a scene at the Bang Bang Bar, adding to the show’s eerie, otherworldly vibe.

5. College & Electric Youth – “A Real Hero”

“A Real Hero” shares a fascinating backstory. The song is actually a tribute to Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger who heroically landed a plane on the Hudson River, saving the lives of all passengers on board. The phrase “a real human being and a real hero” is a direct nod to Sully’s courage.

6. M83 – “Midnight City”

“Midnight City” became one of M83’s most iconic tracks, even being used as the theme song for reality TV series, “Made in Chelsea.” However, it almost didn’t make it onto the album. Anthony Gonzalez was reportedly hesitant about the track because it sounded “too 80s.”

7. Perturbator – “Sentient”

An intriguing detail about “Sentient” is that Perturbator, whose real name is James Kent, was previously a guitarist for black metal bands before pivoting to the electronic genre. This explains the darker, more aggressive undertones found in his music, as compared to other synthwave artists.

That’s all for now, folks! I hope these tunes resonate with the ‘Nightcall’ lover in you, bringing back that unique atmosphere we all fell for. Keep your playlist fresh, your ears happy, and remember, music is the universal language of unity. Peace out from DJ TBone!

Thanks for reading.

TBone