Nation of Language and Blonde Redhead at the Paramount

We headed to the Paramount to catch a double feature of two amazing bands. Nation of Language and Blonde Redhead were in town playing a packed venue. We hadn’t seen either of the bands and were thrilled to finally see them play. NoL has been in town a few times and the rooms became larger very fast with their ongoing success.

First up were Blonde Redhead, the American alt-rock band from New York formed in 1993. The band consisting of Kazu Makino and twin brothers Simone and Amedeo Pace. Their latest record Sit Down for Dinner was released last year. Their set included songs from their long career and their dedicated fans cheered them on.

Makino switched between her guitar and keyboard as she intensely played on, and her sparkly skirt flowed with her movements. She was mesmerizing in every step. The background was six pieces hanging, decorated with different elements standing out. Highlights included, “Falling Man,” “Melody Experiment,” “Maddening Cloud,” and “Kiss Her Kiss Her.”

Next up was the main headliner that also formed in New York in 2016. The group is composed of Ian Devaney (lead vocals, guitar, synthesizer, percussion), Aidan Noell (synthesizer, backing vocals), and Alex MacKay (bass guitar). Side note for all the Strokes fans is that Devaney is also the lead vocalist for Machinegum with Strokes’ drummer Fabrizio Moretti.

Nation of Language has grown tremendously the last few years, and their latest release Strange Disciple was critically acclaimed. The set up was completely bare, with only the three members standing on the stage with their instruments. This seemed peculiar at first but as the night went on it was perfect for their set. Devaney moved constantly creating an enchanting visual moving in and out of the shadows as the lights flashed.

The music feels like we’ve woken up to the new sound of the 80s gathering together to dance our worries off. We’re led by Devaney slowly appearing through the dancing lights as he moves around and suddenly you can see his shape take form in a harmonious movement drawing your gaze in. I have never seen someone dance so elegantly with the microphone stand before. Every step, every reach, every bend was a beautiful expression of emotion.

After seeing the group play live, we understand why everyone has been obsessed with them. They have a way of pulling you in with their songs and then keeping your attention with their energetic performance.

Highlights: The Wall & I, On Division St, Wounds of Love, Across That Fine Line, September Again, Weak In Your Light.