The explosive new single “Stumbling Still” from Nation Of Language serves as a preview of the frantic energy and intense range of emotions that can be found on their forthcoming album “Strange Disciple,” which will be released on September 15 through [PIAS].
The ten-song collection, which was recently named one of the most anticipated summer albums by Pitchfork, is the perfect soundtrack for long walks through city streets and is connected by themes of hopeless devotion, infatuation, and overwhelming obsession. While lead vocalist and lyricist Ian Devaney envisions the band’s 2020 presentation, Presentation, Presence, as occurring in a vehicle – and second collection A Way Forward happening on and as a train – Unusual Supporter is, finally, wandering and wayfaring, educated by the fervor regarding investigating new spots the Brooklyn threesome never figured they would see or play during their noteworthy pandemic-time breakout.
“Stumbling Still” encapsulates that form of forward motion with a propulsive kraut-punk groove and bouncing bassline. The lyrics deliver an equally restless but far less healthy series of incessant thoughts and internal strife.
“Stumbling Still,” like the rest of Strange Disciple, was produced by Nick Millhiser (Holy Ghost!, Nation of Language is considering the creative choices that would be most compelling to perform on stage for the first time and was recorded in his East Williamsburg studio (LCD Soundsystem). The band’s new wave, post-punk, and synth-powered sound is expanded with newfound fervor, with more live drums, guitar, and shoegaze influences than ever before.
The album’s opener, “Weak In Your Light,” has been praised as both an “excellent exploration of passion and agony” and a “subdued re-introduction to the best synth-pop band in the world” (Paste). The new single follows the ebullient “Sole Obsession,” which “cloaks its emotional vulnerability in an avalanche of synthesizer and a rapid tempo” (Billboard). Through his towering vocal performance, Devaney oscillates between shame and fixation, leading the listener on a turbulent journey of self-discovery and demonstrating that one should not avoid the brief pain required to make a necessary change.
In front of Pitchfork Celebration, Primavera Sound, Outside Grounds and almost 60 additional US, UK and EU exhibitions that Country of Language have proactively declared for 2023, the band are simply starting to make a big appearance music from Peculiar Devotee live. Recently, during an extraordinary night recorded by Drifter, they featured their biggest old neighborhood show to date at Brooklyn Steel. As Outcome applauded, “Country of Language put star power on display…each enchanting track was flawlessly executed, and presently they have us hungry for more.” The band headlines tonight’s show at the Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles, following two sold-out shows this week in Seattle with Reggie Watts supporting.
