Strange Disciple is the third studio album by American synth-pop band Nation of Language, released on September 15, 2023 via PIAS. It is their first album since A Way Forward in 2021.
| Strange Disciple | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | September 15, 2023 | |||
| Length | 44:02 | |||
| Label | PIAS | |||
| Producer | Nick Millhiser | |||
| Nation of Language chronology | ||||
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| Singles from Strange Disciple | ||||
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Background
editThe first single, "Sole Obsession", was released on March 8, 2023.[1] The album was announced on April 13, 2023, with the release of the single "Weak in Your Light".[2] A third single, "Stumbling Still", was released on May 17, 2023.[3] The fourth single, "Too Much, Enough", was released on July 26, 2023.[4] A fifth and final single, "Sightseer", was released on September 11, 2023.[5] According to the band, the album's central theme is "infatuation and how one's reality can be warped by it."[4] The album was produced by Nick Millhiser of Holy Ghost!.[2] It marks the addition of bassist Alex MacKay, following the departure of Michael Sue-Poi.[6]
Reception
edit| Aggregate scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| Metacritic | 78/100[7] |
| Review scores | |
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |   [8] |
| Clash | 8/10[9] |
| NME | [10] |
| Pitchfork | 7.3/10[11] |
Strange Disciple received a score of 78 out of 100 on review aggregator Metacritic based on six critics' reviews, indicating "generally favorable" reception.[7] Erica Campbell of NME said, "With their third album, Nation Of Language prove their able to stretch their auditory imagination, all while sticking to their roots."[10] Similarly, AllMusic's Marcy Donelson writes how the band "adhere strictly to a core timbral palette and, at least so far, always sound like themselves."[8] Reviewing the album for Pitchfork, Hattie Lindert called the album "another achievement in economy, a project that looks to the sound of new wave as a springboard, not a textbook, and lets small touches shine".[11]
Track listing
editAll tracks are written by Nation of Language
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Weak in Your Light" | 4:15 |
| 2. | "Sole Obsession" | 4:16 |
| 3. | "Surely I Can't Wait" | 4:03 |
| 4. | "Swimming in the Shallow Sea" | 4:37 |
| 5. | "Too Much, Enough" | 4:51 |
| 6. | "Spare Me the Decision" | 2:46 |
| 7. | "Sightseer" | 4:19 |
| 8. | "Stumbling Still" | 4:39 |
| 9. | "A New Goodbye" | 5:21 |
| 10. | "I Will Never Learn" | 4:55 |
| Total length: | 44:02 | |
Personnel
editNation of Language
- Ian Richard Devaney – vocals, synthesizer, bass, guitar, layout
- Aidan Noell – synthesizer, vocals, layout
- Alex MacKay – bass, vocals, layout
Additional contributors
- Nick Millhiser – production, mixing, synthesizer, drums
- Heba Kadry – mastering
- Noah Rubin – drums
- Christian Little – cover artwork
- Allyson Leigh Peck – layout
Charts
edit| Chart (2023) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Scottish Albums (OCC)[12] | 29 |
| UK Album Downloads (OCC)[13] | 49 |
| UK Independent Albums (OCC)[14] | 12 |
References
edit- ^ Breihan, Tom (March 8, 2023). "Nation Of Language – "Sole Obsession"". Stereogum. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
- ^ a b Minsker, Evan (April 13, 2023). "Nation of Language Announce New Album Strange Disciple, Share New Songs: Listen". Pitchfork. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
- ^ Rettig, James (May 17, 2023). "Nation Of Language – "Stumbling Still"". Stereogum. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
- ^ a b Dunworth, Liberty (July 26, 2023). "Watch Nation Of Language's powerful, star-studded video for 'Too Much, Enough'". Pitchfork. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
- ^ Redfern, Mark (September 11, 2023). "Nation of Language Share New Song "Sightseer"". Under the Radar. Retrieved September 17, 2023.
- ^ DiGiacomo, Frank (August 28, 2023). "Nation of Language's Married Bandmates Discuss Their New Album, Tour & Lineup". Billboard. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
- ^ a b "Strange Disciple by Nation of Language Reviews and Tracks". Metacritic. Retrieved September 28, 2023.
- ^ a b Donelson, Marcy. "Nation of Language - Strange Disciple Album Reviews, Songs & More". AllMusic. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
- ^ Mason, Julia (September 14, 2023). "Nation Of Language – Strange Disciple". Clash. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
- ^ a b Campbell, Erica (September 14, 2023). "Nation Of Language – 'Strange Disciple' review: cult heroes continue their hot streak". NME. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
- ^ a b Lindert, Hattie (September 28, 2023). "Nation of Language: Strange Disciple Album Review". Pitchfork. Retrieved September 28, 2023.
- ^ "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved September 23, 2023.
- ^ "Official Album Downloads Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved September 23, 2023.
- ^ "Official Independent Albums Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved September 23, 2023.
External links
edit- Strange Disciple at Discogs (list of releases)