In Paul Simon’s 1980 film One Trick Pony, a diminutive performer has just left the stage after pouring his heart into sweet songs of longing with complex jazz chords to a lukewarm reception from the audience. He stands at the side of the stage as the B-52s launch into the punk simplicity of “Rock Lobster,” and the crowd goes wild. The movie asks a question that’s all too common in a rapidly changing world: What does an artist do when the world’s tastes change and suddenly it isn’t that into you anymore? It’s a fitting inquiry for the dance rock supergroup ShadowParty as it prepares to release its self-titled debut album.

ShadowParty is made up of musicians who joined big bands late in their career. The quartet consists of Josh Hager, who played in the Weezer-offshoot The Rentals before replacing the late Bob Casale as the guitarist for Devo; Tom Chapman, who was the bass player in Bad Lieutenant before joining the synth-pop outfit New Order in 2011; Phil Cunningham, who’s played guitar for New Order since 2002, and Devo drummer Jeff Friedl.

While these aren’t the names normally associated with these groups, ShadowParty’s new self-titled album displays the songwriting skills, musicianship, and most importantly the vintage pop sounds of these legendary bands.

From the very beginning, the listener is transported back to the golden age of synth-pop: 1985. The complexity of the arrangements, the virtuosity of the performances, and the unabashed passion of the album feel sadly dated in 2018—not like something past its prime, but like an old friend you haven’t seen in too long.

Opening track “Celebrate” sparkles with synthetic cheer before breaking into a rousing chorus of, “We’ve got a reason to celebrate,” dripping with rose-colored nostalgia. “Taking Over,” the album’s second track, sounds more like New Order with a bass drum-heavy rhythm over tinkling piano keys. The following “Reverse the Curse” follows a similar vein but sounds more like vintage Depeche Mode.

“Marigold” is another standout track, simmering in the verses before boiling over with beautiful chorus melodies. It’s easy to imagine an accompanying music video replete with the floral dissolves and ozone-destroying levels of hairspray playing on the early days of MTV. “Present Tense” starts with a Beverly Hills Cop-style keyboard riff before guest vocalist Denise Johnson leads the anthemic sing-along chorus.

From the band’s earnest musicianship and songwriting, to its complex arrangements and hi-fi instrumentation, ShadowParty feels out of place in 2018. With not a note of AutoTune, these musicians dedicate themselves to an art form that increasingly only finds its place in classic rock radio playlists. Like Paul Simon standing at the side of the stage watching the crowd lose their minds over a simple riff played over and over, ShadowParty represents a piece of musical history that’s still too good to climb into a history book and die.

Follow David Gill at Twitter.com/DavidGi18788752.