In late 2023, Nation of Language’s third album, Strange Disciple, received one of the most coveted accolades in the indie world by topping Rough Trade’s best records of the year list. This seal of approval was well-deserved by the New York group, active since 2016, consisting of a married couple (singer and musician Ian Devaney and keyboardist Aidan Noell) and their bassist friend (Alex MacKay). Skilfully blending krautrock, synth-pop and new wave, these Brooklyn artists enjoy surrounding themselves with drum machines and vintage synthesizers while still making room for guitars. Their tracks are both euphoric and melancholic, accessible while remaining fundamentally experimental, creating songs that feel familiar from the first listen – a trait shared with bands like Talking Heads and Kraftwerk.
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