Brooklyn trio Nation of Language keeps fans intrigued with their retro sound and style that still toes the line of modern emotions as their tracks explore how it feels to be human. They released their acclaimed debut, Introduction, Presence, in May 2020 in the midst of mayhem, yet the album managed to make the year-end “Best of” lists from Rough Trade, Stereogum, Paste, and many more, with glowing reviews from Pitchfork and The Associated Press.
While much of the sounds on Introduction, Presence garnered comparisons to the synth-punk sound of the 80s, with this new set of songs the band delved heavily in the Krautrock pioneers and electronic experimentalists of the 70s for inspiration in the studio, stretching their boundaries in new and different ways. Thematically, songwriter Ian Devaney dived into some familiar landscapes of melancholy, but he also wanted to introduce celebration and joy in a way that hadn’t been present on the initial album. Having bursts of positivity gives the album’s emotional low points more resonance, and a stronger sense of emotional reality to the overall album as a whole. Production on the record was divided between Abe Seiferth (who worked on the previous album) and Nick Milhiser of Holy Ghost!. Devaney is joined by keyboardist Aidan Noel and bassist Michael Poi-Sue.
The affable group chatted with us following their performance at The Governors Ball about how the first and second albums actually while also wanting to show people what the band is more than capable of. They also delve into their daily bike rides that helped them through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Their new album A Way Forward drops next month and will be accompanied by a hometown album release show on November 4th. Catch them on their fall tour! As you patiently await their next album, give their previous one a listen!
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