Nation of Language @ The Fonda – Los Angeles, CA

Nation of Language rolled through the Fonda in LA and put their blend of synth-pop and new wave influences on full display for the nostalgia-soaked crowd.

The Fonda always has impressive acoustics, but it was the subtle, effective lighting design that took center stage this evening. The airy, kaleidoscopic lights complemented the space the lead singer, Ian Richard Devaney, gave himself every song. He’d glide back and forth from the front of the stage to the back, in tune with the strength of the synths backing him up. What’s really remarkable about some of this band’s songs is the brazen emotion you can feel pierce through the warm instrumentals. No matter where Devaney could be found on stage, you were right there with him.

On Devaney’s either side were Aiden Noell, synth player and backup vocalist, and Alex McKay on bass and guitar. They each provided tight backing for Devaney and, given the nature of many of their songs, each had their moment to take over.

Their setlist consisted mostly of their two most well-known albums, 2020’s Introduction, Presence and 2021’s A Way Forward. They peppered in some new songs along the way, one that they even claimed “you’re definitely hearing for the first time”.  There were highlights everywhere, but the encore really took the show home. “Across That Fine Line”, an undeniable bop, exploded off the stage.

After this, Nation of Language heads to Seattle and then over to Europe for a few dates. Be on the lookout for more new music, though, and surely another tour that will follow. For all things Nation of Language, head to their website here.

Photos + Review by Andrew Ameter | Exclusively for Music, Why Not!