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Strange Disciple

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2023 studio album by Nation of Language
Strange Disciple
Studio album by Nation of Language
ReleasedSeptember 15, 2023 (2023-09-15)
Length44:02
LabelPIAS
ProducerNick Millhiser
Nation of Language chronology
A Way Forward
(2021) 		Strange Disciple
(2023)
Singles from Strange Disciple
  1. "Sole Obsession"
    Released: March 8, 2023
  2. "Weak in Your Light"
    Released: April 13, 2023
  3. "Stumbling Still"
    Released: May 17, 2023
  4. "Too Much, Enough"
    Released: July 26, 2023
  5. "Sightseer"
    Released: September 11, 2023

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.

Background

The first single, "Sole Obsession", was released on March 8, 2023. The album was announced on April 13, 2023, with the release of the single "Weak in Your Light". A third single, "Stumbling Still", was released on May 17, 2023. The fourth single, "Too Much, Enough", was released on July 26, 2023. A fifth and final single, "Sightseer", was released on September 11, 2023. According to the band, the album's central theme is "infatuation and how one's reality can be warped by it." The album was produced by Nick Millhiser of Holy Ghost!. It marks the addition of bassist Alex MacKay, following the departure of Michael Sue-Poi.

Reception

Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Metacritic78/100
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic
Clash8/10
NME
Pitchfork7.3/10

Strange Disciple received a score of 78 out of 100 on review aggregator Metacritic based on six critics' reviews, indicating "generally favorable" reception. 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." 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." 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".

Track listing

All tracks are written by Nation of Language

Strange Disciple track listing
No.TitleLength
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

Nation of Language

  • Ian Richard Devaney – vocals, synthesizer, bass, guitar, layout
  • Aidan Noell – synthesizer, vocals, layout
  • Alex MacKay – bass, vocals, layout

Additional contributors

Charts

Chart performance for Strange Disciple
Chart (2023) Peak
position
Scottish Albums (OCC) 29
UK Album Downloads (OCC) 49
UK Independent Albums (OCC) 12

References

  1. Breihan, Tom (March 8, 2023). "Nation Of Language – "Sole Obsession"". Stereogum. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
  2. ^ Minsker, Evan (April 13, 2023). "Nation of Language Announce New Album Strange Disciple, Share New Songs: Listen". Pitchfork. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
  3. Rettig, James (May 17, 2023). "Nation Of Language – "Stumbling Still"". Stereogum. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
  4. ^ Dunworth, Liberty (July 26, 2023). "Watch Nation Of Language's powerful, star-studded video for 'Too Much, Enough'". Pitchfork. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
  5. Redfern, Mark (September 11, 2023). "Nation of Language Share New Song "Sightseer"". Under the Radar. Retrieved September 17, 2023.
  6. DiGiacomo, Frank (August 28, 2023). "Nation of Language's Married Bandmates Discuss Their New Album, Tour & Lineup". Billboard. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
  7. ^ "Strange Disciple by Nation of Language Reviews and Tracks". Metacritic. Retrieved September 28, 2023.
  8. ^ Donelson, Marcy. "Nation of Language - Strange Disciple Album Reviews, Songs & More". AllMusic. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
  9. Mason, Julia (September 14, 2023). "Nation Of Language – Strange Disciple". Clash. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
  10. ^ Campbell, Erica (September 14, 2023). "Nation Of Language – 'Strange Disciple' review: cult heroes continue their hot streak". NME. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
  11. ^ Lindert, Hattie (September 28, 2023). "Nation of Language: Strange Disciple Album Review". Pitchfork. Retrieved September 28, 2023.
  12. "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved September 23, 2023.
  13. "Official Album Downloads Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved September 23, 2023.
  14. "Official Independent Albums Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved September 23, 2023.

External links

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