Photo by Kevin Condon
It is so rare that a song specifically, accurately, and fully replicates a uniquely delicious human experience, but Nation of Language’s “Across that Fine Line” does just that. It is the musical embodiment of the sweaty palms and heart palpitations of falling for a previously platonic partner. Listening to it feels like running in a field as you’re chasing down a sunset. There’s a buzz to it; an inescapable momentum propelling you forward are the songwriter falls more fully and becomes more aware of the situation they find themselves in. All of this is set to what could be playing during the closing credits of an 80s coming of age film.
Of the single, songwriter/vocalist Ian Devaney stated, “‘Across That Fine Line’ is a reflection on that moment when a non-romantic relationship flips into something different. When the air in the room suddenly feels like it changes in an undefinable way. It’s a kind of celebration of that certain joyous panic, and the uncertainty that surfaces right after it.
The band recently announced tour dates as well. See below for when you can catch them near you.
08/27-29 – Reading-Leeds, UK @ Reading/Leeds Fest
09/09 – Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brenda’s
09/10 – New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom
09/11 – Boston, MA @ The Sinclair
09/25 – Queens, NY @ Governors Ball
09/30 – Montreal, PQ @ Bar le Ritz
10/01 – Toronto, ON @ Horseshoe Tavern
10/02 – Detroit, MI @ Tangent Gallery
10/03 – Chicago, IL @ Empty Bottle
10/04 – Madison, WI @ High Noon Saloon
10/05 – St. Paul, MN @ Turf Club
10/08 – Kansas City, MO @ Record Bar
10/09 – Denver, CO @ Lost Lake
10/10 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Metro Music Hall
10/14 – Seattle, WA @ The Crocodile
10/15 – Portland, OR @ Mississippi Studio
10/17 – San Francisco, CA @ The Independent
10/19 – Los Angeles, CA @ Lodge Room
10/20 – San Diego, CA @ Casbah
10/22 – Anaheim, CA @ The Parish
10/23 – Phoenix, AZ @ Valley Bar
10/27 – Houston, TX @ White Oak Music Hall
10/29 – Atlanta, GA @ The Earl
10/30 – Chapel Hill @ Cat’s Cradl
10/31 – Washington DC @ Songbyrd