Due for release on September 19th 2025, Nation Of Language’s fourth studio album, Dance Called Memory, delves much deeper than the band’s usual glassy synths and bouncy melodies, granting us access to something that is entirely raw, personal and resonant. The album explores how our memories and past experiences shape us, and how tiny emotional nuances can linger at unexpected moments in our futures.
The title of this album, Dance Called Memory, stands as no allegory or metaphor – it is a central declaration, and a mission statement. Each track on this album treats memory and evocation as a constantly moving, driving force – rearing its head without notice, and intertwining itself with our present experiences. This release is the first full-length album from the band since Strange Disciple, released nearly exactly two years ago in September of 2023 – another album which explored poignant themes, this time of romance, obsession and stark vulnerability.
An aspect of this album that stands out particularly against other works from Nation Of Language is the shift in the band’s general sound and sonic direction, especially in the shape of Ian Devaney’s vocals – there has been a clear fluctuation from the polished lustre of the band’s previous new wave, synth pop sound to something more gritty, humanised and hard hitting. There is a seemingly intentional roughness to this album in the instrumental works too – textured, layered guitar, fractured percussion, all layered beneath the gritty vocals of the band’s lead singer.
One track that truly encapsulates this shift and stands out from the surrounding tracks on Dance Called Memory comes in the shape of Inept Apollo. A candid and emotional track, this particular single has already been released on streaming services on August 19th, 2025. With its sound, and the general sound of the rest of the album, holding possible comparison to New Order, Interpol and Depeche Mode, this single truly holds its own in a strong lineup, exploring themes of respite, doubt and imposter syndrome. Opening with melodic synths and textured arrangements, this track evokes feelings of space, escape and rest from negative personal emotions.
Another notable track on the album is Silhouette – a delicate, vehement look into fears of being left behind and deserted, and clinging to people from your past. Serving as a pivotal moment in the album’s direction, placed towards the start of the tracklist, this single opens with a seemingly upbeat, playful melody, before falling into something much more plaintive and ruminative. This track feels slightly spectral and illusory, with breath work implemented between the vocals, and whispery, delicate backing vocals layering over lyrics such as, ‘Give yourself up – I know it’s you – I know you’re there’. Drawing on ideas of missing someone you may have lost and trying to cling to what you have left of a person, this track elegantly captures the fragile struggle between holding on and letting go.
Dance Called Memory ultimately marks an assured evolution for Nation Of Language, unfolding slowly as you listen like a delicate tapestry of light and shade. The album invites listeners into a safe space in which sentiment subtly lies beneath delicate synthesisers, and reflection lingers amongst layered vocals. Navigating the often scary concepts of change and transformation, it weaves a nostalgic homage into a fresh step forward into something brighter, reaffirming once again the band’s remarkable ability to artistically express complex emotions.
