For reference, I’m not referring to goth rock synthwave but the modern homonymous style: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3DXmTGTzFXidCURMgqM9B7
For reference, I’m not referring to goth rock synthwave but the modern homonymous style: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3DXmTGTzFXidCURMgqM9B7
Some things off the top of my head would be the more dance-y contemporary side of Synthwave - something like Occams Laser - With You, or maybe more toward the Electronica side of things, like Birdy Nam Nam - Defiant Order. Daft Punk also work as a sort of Euro Disco kinda’ distant cousin, too. At least these are the more upbeat proxies I know.
There’s always Darkwave (The Neon Droid - Braindance), but it’s like going from mild Indie to Nu Metal, so YMMV.
As a side note and potential rabbit hole, the first thing which popped into my head when skimming through that playlist was The Birthday Massacre - Science. I don’t think they fall under Synthwave, but I find they do a wonderful job at incorporating the “synth” part into their unique voice!
Edit: oh and give The Octopus Project a try! The Mythical E.L.C., for instance. Bit different, but very peppy and fun!