Nation of Language Belong on the Big Screen and the Late-Night Playlist

A bag of cherries against blue fabric. Nation of Language’s Dance Called Memory cover is such a simple, gorgeous thing. It looks like somebody actually wanted you to stop and look at it.

The Brooklyn trio’s fourth album arrived through Sub Pop on September 19, 2025. Ian Richard Devaney, Aidan Noell and Alex MacKay worked with returning producer Nick Millhiser, with mastering by Heba Kadry. The label’s album introduction gathers the music, credits and videos in one useful place.

For readers who keep asking us for more new-wave and synth-pop discoveries, put this name on the list. “Inept Apollo” and “I’m Not Ready for the Change” both received videos directed by John MacKay. That gives us a proper video-night pairing instead of another static cover floating on a screen.

We like following a visual collaboration across more than one song. Notice what carries over between the two films, then what changes. The director matters. So do the small decisions that make a band recognizable without stamping its name across every frame.

This is a return to a 2025 record, and a good excuse to give it more than a passing glance. There are ten tracks to explore; nobody is timing you.

Start with the videos linked by Sub Pop. Put the phone down somewhere it cannot vibrate its way into the middle of the evening. The cherries can have your attention for a minute.

Dance Called Memory cover artwork via Sub Pop. Image source and credits.

Bubbling Box Team

The Bubbling Box Team curates quick reads, release briefs and daily world headlines with clear attribution and direct links to the original reporting. Original reviews, interviews and commentary remain credited to Chetuno or Leah.