New wave
is a genre that emerged in the late 1970s, blending punk rock's raw energy with pop, electronic, and experimental elements. It is characterized by its use of synthesizers, catchy melodies, and a polished production style, often paired with quirky, futuristic visuals. Influenced by post-punk, disco, and art rock, new wave bands like Talking Heads, Depeche Mode, and Blondie brought a more accessible, danceable edge to alternative music, shaping the sound of the 1980s.