Across That Fine Line

Another hit from Nation of Language & winter picks aplenty

Thanks for joining me here for another dispatch of my (mostly) twice-weekly music and menswear newsletter, which is different (but somewhat the same) as my daily style blog from which it gets its name. Thanks for reading!

Are you plugged in and ready to ease into Monday evening (or Tuesday, depending on when you happen to get around to opening this newsletter dispatch)? I’ll take that as a “Yes,” and away we go with another edition of my music and menswear newsletter. It’s been a decidedly snowy, cold and yet music-filled Brooklyn Monday for me (aren’t they all these days?), penning my latest music feature for Atwood Magazine. Coming up at Atwood, you’ll find an interview by yours truly with lead singer Ian Devaney of Nation of Language, the band featured in today’s headline and music slot. As I wrote last month, the synth pop trio released an excellent new album last November, one I’ve been playing on repeat (today especially included). If you’ve been enjoying the moody, atmospheric synths the group churns out, let me know in the comments. This feature follows on the heels of my jam-packed writing slate, be it stories on watches and menswear at Maxim or a craft beer guide or two over at SPY.com (cheers!).

If beer, music and menswear sounds right up your alley, you’re in luck, as we’re about to go through a crash course kicked off by one of my favorite Nation of Language songs, “Across That Fine Line” (it’s all in the headline, folks). Alright, let’s get to it.

What To Listen To This Week: “Across That Fine Line” By Nation of Language

When considering the praise-worthy LP “A Way Forward” by Nation of Language, there’s any number of directions you could go in search of highlights. Songs like “The Grey Commute” are as strong as they get, as the band combines electronic influences like OMD with the modern energy of Future Islands. There’s a reason I wrote about them in an upcoming 2022 Artists To Watch feature at Atwood Magazine — they sound fresh and urgent, with plenty of cool soundscapes that call to mind New York City. Just give this speedy, zippy song a listen and find out why. It’s the perfect complement to a wintry park stroll or perhaps, planning your next winter getaway or your next winter ensemble. When I’ve been listening to this album. I’ve taken to strolling through Brooklyn, bundled up. On that note, here’s a winter jacket you might find useful in your neck of the woods.

What To Shop This Week: Barbour Soay Wax Jacket via Huckberry

When I set about on a trek through Brooklyn in search of a rock show and a cold beer, I don’t leave home without one of my favorite jackets in tow. It’s usually a jacket of the waxed cotton variety, like this classic Barbour jacket, all the better for taking on blustery winter weather. It also helps that the selection of stylish men’s jackets at Huckberry has something for everyone, including those times when you need to coat check said jacket at a concert. When I saw Nation of Language play in Brooklyn this past fall, I made sure to wear my trusty denim jacket, but for all other times, this winter included, a tough waxed cotton jacket from a heritage brand won’t steer you wrong. The final part of the equation on any Brooklyn winter night? A delicious beer for winter, of course. Without further ado…

What To Sip This Week: Stone Xocoveza Stout

While it’s certainly quite the proper time of year to cut back on boozy beers entirely (and I even wrote about the best non-alcoholic beers at SPY!), I prefer a more “Moderate January,” if you will, and I also enjoy winter-friendly stouts like the Stone Xocoveza Stout. You get everything you need to warm you up on a chilly winter night, be it Mexican hot chocolate inspiration, notes of vanilla and a bit of a spicy, pepper-y flavor for a nice kick. You need only enjoy one to get the full flavor and that coveted winter warmth.

The Final Pick: Todd Snyder Shawl Cable Cardigan

If you feel like really turning things up to 11 when it comes to a supreme blend of comfort and classic style this winter, go right ahead and invest in this handsome Todd Snyder Shawl Cable Cardigan. Think of it like the most premium sweater you’ll ever wear just around the house or at your cabin, or better still, use it as a mid-layer to venture out into a frigid winter night in search of a roasty, warm stout. Kick things up a notch by wearing it to the office (atop a white dress shirt with grey flannel trousers) if you really want to wow people. Better still, just throw it on at the end of a long day’s work as you crack open a fine stout and listen to some Brooklyn synth pop. Granted, I don’t own a sweater like this myself, but if I did, that’s exactly the winter evening routine I’d follow. Cheers to that.

Finding the right balance to start the new year, be it carving out time to listen to new music or taking things in moderation, is a process, a “fine line,” you might call it. Music that toes that line between the past and the future (Nation of Language), classics that looked great then and now (the Todd Snyder Shawl Cable Cardigan!), and beers that are perfectly attuned with the season are all ways to help hit the mark this January 2022. What say you to that? Let me know in the comments and please, as per tradition, tell all your friends about this newsletter. Cheers!