Nation of Language : Dance Called Memory
Brooklyn trio Nation of Language may have long and deep roots in new wave-adjacent electronic revivalism, yet their fourth album Dance Called Memory is clear evidence of the trio having also grown up against this century’s backdrop of icily detached indie-rockers. It’s not just the technology that’s cold here, it’s the delivery, and it’s that choice in representing human emotion that positions the band at the top of their game.
Ian Richard Devaney and Aidan Noell lift significant weight for Nation of Language, sharing duties on the keyboard parts and vocals that propel Dance Called Memory and, arguably, the rest of their catalog. Their singing is purposely hard to read, more instrument of sound than meaning, in the grand tradition of shoegaze and dream-pop. The synths are spare and earworm-y and historically informed, from the low-end wobble in “Now That You’re Gone” supported by bassist Alex MacKay to the techno-pop squelch of “In Another Life.”
It also sounds like there are decidedly more strings from both Devaney (on guitar) and MacKay on Dance Called Memory than on prior Nation of Language offerings, suggestive of when Depeche Mode successfully focused on them at the start of the 1990s. “I’m Not Ready for the Change,” for example, is a lush romp criss-crossing shoegaze, Madchester, and vaporwave, and other solid acoustic and drumless tracks like “Nights of Weight” reinforce how calmly the band deliver their results.
There are some moments where that ease threatens to dampen the LP’s momentum—I think a great song like “Inept Apollo” might benefit from even harder drums. Still, Dance Called Memory is an album you don’t so much listen to as feel. Other celebrated bands this century have crafted music with the same intent (think Grizzly Bear, think Animal Collective), but Nation of Language do it with what seems like half the people and what turns into twice the groove.
Label: Sub Pop
Year: 2025
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Nation of Language : Dance Called Memory
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