Nation of Language – Inept Apollo
Brooklyn synth-pop trio Nation of Language has marked a significant milestone in their career by signing with legendary indie label Sub Pop. The band—comprising Ian Richard Devaney (vocals, guitar), Aidan Noell (synthesizer), and Alex MacKay (bass)—celebrates this new chapter with the release of “Inept Apollo,” their first single under the Sub Pop banner.
The track continues their established brand of new wave revivalism but feels like a fresh evolution of their sound. Built on Noell’s dynamic synth arrangements and MacKay’s nimble basslines, the song provides the perfect foundation for Devaney’s vocals.
Lyrically, “Inept Apollo” explores the complex relationship between creative work and emotional healing. Devaney explains: “Work is a respite from pain. 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.” However, this creative refuge comes with its challenges, particularly the spectre of impostor syndrome that often accompanies artistic expression: “This is the best coping mechanism I have at my disposal, and I’m not even qualified to be doing it.”
The song arrives with a music video directed by John MacKay that Devaney describes as “an homage to creative pursuits” that represents “the feeling of living in a city as an artist.” The visual evokes the experience of “walking through an old warehouse in Brooklyn, full of practice spaces and studios, each room occupied by artists striving to express and understand themselves and their place in the world.”
Beyond the single release, Nation of Language has announced an extensive international tour for fall 2025, covering North America, the EU, and the UK. The North American leg kicks off on August 21st in Hamden, Connecticut, and concludes on October 30th in Washington, DC, with highlights including a three-night hometown stand at Brooklyn’s Warsaw from September 18th to 20th. The European and UK portion begins on November 7th in Dublin and wraps up on November 28th in Lisbon, featuring their largest venues, including London’s Roundhouse and Berlin’s Columbiahalle.
Nation of Language has rapidly built a devoted international following since their formation, releasing three acclaimed albums: “Introduction, Presence” (2020), “A Way Forward” (2021), and “Strange Disciple” (2023).
