Hot off a performance at this past weekend’s Cruel World festival and a recent signing to Sub Pop Records, NYC-based trio Nation of Language is getting ready with “Inept Apollo” to tour in support of new music. The band, with its cultivation of synthpop and new post-punk, among other genres, more than justifies their appearances at festivals like Cruel World through singles like “Inept Apollo.”
Their latest track is unsurprisingly home to synths galore as singer Ian Richard Devaney’s vocals echo throughout. The revolving, almost labyrinthian use of electronic instruments is reminiscent of Kraftwerk’s Computer World era, albeit with a touch of modernity and sentimentality, thanks to the lyrics detailing the struggles of work life.
At the same time, Nation of Language manages to play around with the sprawling electronic machine they’ve made on “Inept Apollo,” stretching the instruments’ capabilities and finding a way to take ‘80s hallmarks into the future.
“Work is a respite from pain,” said Devaney on the song’s inspiration. “Whether it’s a paying job or just the thing you pour yourself into, having a direction to move in, finding a flow state, it can move focus away from the heaviness of the heart. So after life’s losses, in moments of despair, we resolve time and time again to dive headfirst into the work as best we can…When I find my inner monologue spiraling: ‘This is the best coping mechanism I have at my disposal and I’m not even qualified to be doing it.’”
Visit Nation of Language on Instagram and their website to stay updated on new releases and tour dates. The group announced international headlining tour dates in North America, the EU, and the UK for the fall of 2025.
Listen to “Inept Apollo” the new single from Nation of Language below!
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