Read previous – Nation of Language at Brooklyn Steel
Photos and words by Taylor Shields
Brooklyn-based synth-pop indie rockers Nation of Language played Union Transfer in Philly on Friday, November 10th, continuing their rise in success after the release of their debut album Introduction, Presence in 2020. We attended their hometown show back in May at Brooklyn Steel (coverage here), just prior to the release of their third album Strange Disciple which came out this past September. This is a band we truly look forward to covering every time they’re within driving distance and they never disappoint.
Opening for Nation of Language was alt-rock musician Miss Grit, who released their full-length debut album Follow the Cyborg earlier this year. Performing solo with the house lights turned down, Miss Grit stood center stage with their guitar while different light patterns were projected onto them, setting the mood and pairing nicely with the futuristic sounds that emerged from the speakers.
As Nation of Language took the stage just before 9pm, the room was packed with eager fans spanning multiple generations. This is something pretty notable to mention when it comes to Nation of Language’s appeal. While modern indie rock typically sees most exposure via college and member-funded public radio stations (Nation of Language being no exception), it seems that much of their reach has been boosted through word of mouth. I know I’ve personally pitched them to many people of differing ages who I know share my love for new wave and goth rock – the nostalgic sound of the ’80s a la Depeche Mode and The Cure. Nation of Language has managed to recreate the familiar sound of that era’s music and put their own spin on it, without veering too far from the formula that made it work. The band is breathing fresh life into a genre explored too infrequently in the modern age. Their execution is flawless and their sound transports you back to the days when synth-pop ruled the airwaves.
For a band with only three albums, it’s impressive how much of their catalog feels like instant classics, resonating deeply with their audience. The opening notes to almost every song garnered joyful cheers from the crowd, everyone eagerly awaiting their favorites. The band played a good chunk of songs off Strange Disciple, such as singles “Sole Obsession” and “Sightseer”, as well as older favorites “The Wall & I” and “September Again.”
Nation of Language continues their North American tour with a performance at Corona Capital Festival in Mexico City and return to the US for a sold out show at The Sinclair in Boston, before finishing out the remainder of the tour in Canada. See all of their upcoming tour dates here. We can’t wait ’til they’re back in the tri-state again! Watch their music video for Strange Disciple track “Sightseer” below and keep scrolling to see more photos from the show.
