Nation of Language, the American indie pop band hailing from Brooklyn, has steadily made waves in the music scene since their formation in 2016. Comprising the talented trio of Ian Richard Devaney, Aidan Noell, and Alex MacKay, this outfit has carved a distinct niche for themselves.
Devaney, previously a member of the Static Jacks, found inspiration for a new project after encountering the captivating sounds of Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark’s “Electricity” during a nostalgic drive with his father. What began as Devaney’s playful experimentation on a keyboard gradually evolved into the formation of Nation of Language, with the addition of Noell and former Static Jacks bandmate Sue-Poi.
From 2016 to 2019, the band released a series of singles, building anticipation for their debut album, “Introduction, Presence,” which finally arrived in May 2020. Their sophomore effort, “A Way Forward,” followed suit in 2021, and this year has witnessed their relentless drive towards their highly acclaimed third record, “Strange Disciple.” Nation of Language’s musical prowess extends far beyond mere retro-nostalgia; their true dedication lies in evoking genuine emotions, achieved by skillfully capturing the essence of a live performance. The contagious joy experienced on the dance floor of a concert reverberates throughout each of the album’s ten tracks.
Friday night marked Bristol’s turn to revel in the musical prowess of these transatlantic voyagers, as they graced the magnificent stage of the Marble Factory. The band’s performance was nothing short of mesmerizing, leaving the packed venue awestruck. The symbiotic relationship between the band and the crowd was palpable, as silhouetted figures swayed and sang along, intimately familiar with every word of both old and new songs. Each individual in attendance experienced Nation of Language in their own unique way, some dancing with animated fervor, while others closed their eyes, arms raised in the air, fully immersing themselves in the moment. This emphasizes the deeply personal connection that the band’s music forges with each listener.
The Marble Factory, with its grandeur and yet intimate ambiance, proved to be the perfect backdrop for such a captivating performance. Despite its vastness, the venue managed to foster an atmosphere reminiscent of smaller, more intimate spaces, where the symbiosis between band and fans ignites the magic of live music.
Should the opportunity arise, experiencing Nation of Language’s live show is an absolute must. Their music transcends cultural barriers, uniting people from all corners of the globe through the universal language of music.
Review – Adie White & Darren Clarke
Images – Darren Clarke
@thebristolnomad / @bristolnomad_gigphotography
Role: Photographer / Reviewer / Interviewer
Chief, the one that bugs the team for team for their reviews and images. Creator and founder of The Bristol Gig Guide. Can usually be found swamped in admin or getting cramp kneeling at the front of a gig.
Available for: Gig Shoots, Gig Reviews, Photo Shoots, Album and Single cover shoots, Videography work, Interviews and Touring
First attended gig: Republica, circa 1996.
First gig shot: Hands Off Gretel, at The Louisiana!
Dream gig: Huge metalhead and my ultimate dream gig would be shooting my heroes Slipknot at a huge stadium gig, or as festival headliners. And to experience shooting a headline tour outside the UK
