Nation of Language - "Introduction, Presence"
Words by Zach Romano.
It’s impossible to talk about NYC New Wave-revivalists Nation of Language without leading with influences: they wear New Order, Orchestral Maneuvers in the Dark, The Human League, et al. on their sleeves. The band indeed works from the palate and vocabulary that these groups developed, but through strong songwriting, gorgeous vocals, and loads of charisma, Nation of Language show they are more than just their influences, and with their debut album Introduction, Presence, have released a fantastic record that though unapologetically nostalgic, is wholly theirs.
Introduction, Presence takes some of the immediacy of Nation of Language’s superb early singles “What Does the Normal Man Feel” and “I’ve Thought About Chicago” and trades it for a slower burn and brood. The record’s first track “Tournament” makes this clear from the get-go, with a gradual linear build instead of singalong choruses. That’s not to say there aren’t heady moments here. The high keyboard lines and soaring vocals (to say frontman and songwriter Ian Devaney’s deep, emotive baritone is a puzzle-piece fit for 80’s-style synth-pop is something of an understatement) in “On Division St” can stand up to anything on the singles. Album closer “The Wall & I” could soundtrack the denouement of a teen romance movie. Other highlights include “Indignities,” which leans into the band’s New Order tendencies with a bass effect and drum triggers that bring Peter Hook and Stephen Morris to mind, and “The Motorist,” which puts a spoken-word piece over washes of synth.
I first saw Nation of Language perform in a friend’s backyard in 2017, and the band’s setup and immediate impression – a rack with several synthesizers, a bass guitar, and a frontman with a unique style and moves as formidable as his pipes– brought to mind Future Islands. The sounds and eras these bands are plumbing for inspiration are indeed similar, but the vibes the bands give off could not be more different: where Future Islands’ Sam Herring knows exactly for what (or often who) he is pining, Devaney’s lyrics are more contemplative. On “September Again,” he sings about searching for meaning both externally (going back to church) and internally (staring naked in the mirror), but only finding that time is inexorably passing.
If you ever enjoyed a New Wave song, don’t miss this album (and the early singles!). It’s easily one of my favorite records of 2020, and it’s difficult to think of a synth-pop debut this mature and fully realized regardless of the year. Nation of Language is scheduled to play at The Sultan Room on August 21, and though I’m not too optimistic about this show happening, make sure to catch them before they’re playing venues you can’t afford. Listen to them here and buy Introduction, Presence on vinyl via their website. The album is also available on all streaming platforms, including Spotify.
