NYC Scene Report – ALMA, Nation of Language, & The Death Set

This week’s NYC Scene Report features ALMA heading out for the “Mornight,” Nation of Language piecing together “This Fractured Mind,” and The Death Set riding an “Elephant.”

* Brooklyn-based indie pop trio ALMA just released their debut album, Mosaic, which they describe as a personal letter to NYC, with each song giving listeners a slice of life in the city.

The single “Mornight” breaks down what it’s like to be working in the places people go to party the night away.

Discussing the song in a statement, the band said, “It’s Friday night, and while the rest of the world is getting ready for a fun night, you’re heading out to work. While nights out mean fun for those dancing on the floor, the view is a bit different when you’re the one pouring the drinks. ‘Mornight’ flips the script on a classic night out. While the music is produced in a dance, Top 40 style, the story follows our main character from the moment she wakes up in the early evening, (through) her bartender night shift.”

Parties aren’t parties for those punching a clock, and with “Mornight” ALMA has done a masterful job of crafting a song you can truly enjoy, while still commiserating with the protagonist. Check it out.

* Speaking of tough jobs, the latest single from Brooklyn-based band Nation of Language was inspired by some uninspiring side gigs songwriter/vocalist Ian Devaney once had.

Titled “This Fractured Mind,” Devaney explained how the song came together, saying, “After I dropped out of college I spent a number of years delivering pizzas, and waiting tables, while I lived at home and tried to get a music career going. One ends up spending a lot of time contending with unrealized dreams, and feeling jealousy towards those who have moved on. There’s an inferiority complex that can set in, which if unchecked, can lead down a pretty bitter and self-destructive road. This is a song for driving down that road, as indecision, and longing, and regret cycle together into mania, until finally, at the end, quiet acceptance and peace wash over.”

“This Fractured Mind” is off Nation of Language’s upcoming sophomore album, A Way Forward, due out November 5th. The band is currently on a North American tour, and will be going on an international tour in January.

Check out the video for “This Fractured Mind,” and enjoy the synth pop-rock goodness of Nation of Language.

* NYC, by way of Australia, punk rock band The Death Set are back after a long hiatus, and they’re making their return with the frantic single “Elephant.”

“Elephant” is off The Death Set’s upcoming full length album, How To Tune A Parrot, which is due out this Friday, and is the first full length release from the band since 2011.

The Death Set’s own Johnny Siera directed, and edited, the video for “Elephant,” which the band describes as, “A satirical exploration of his brain’s twisted desire to self-sabotage after seven years of sobriety, meditation, and a plethora of self-care routines.”

The two minute song moves at an insane pace, so click play and get ready to have a serious dose of hyperactivity run through your body … but in a good way!

For more of the best of NYC’s indie music scene, come back next Wednesday, and check out the archives for previous columns.