Into National!

Out of all the albums released by The National, their fourth album Boxer, released back in 2007, was probably the most important for them in terms of popularity. Boxer had, among all, its incredible tracks, Fake Empire. It is that track that once made me say Mr. Matt Berninger’s voice should be cloned for future generations. For them to listen to that voice live and even used in further musical releases. Or have his voice put into one of those sea-shells that you put to your ear and just listen to its great sound.


It’s May 2010 and their 5th album High Violet is having its release. An album that is further pensive and less instrumental than their previous work. But still as positively effective for what The National musical mood really means. Further pensive into their lyrical romances - brooding and experiencing it all in love relationships or life, most notably Terrible Love, Bloodbuzz Ohio and Lemonworld. And less instrumental, but from what they kept, mostly the percussion and guitars, they have used those to the maximum.


The guitars on Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks, Little Faith and Runaway. Percussion on Sorrow. And all together on Terrible Love, Anyone’s Ghost, Bloodbuzz Ohio and Conversation 16. Also true that they used the most standard set of instruments like oh so many other bands, but how they took advantage of them and covered them with Matt’s voice is if not unique, then The National. Songs like England and Terrible Love are vocal proofs of Matt’s dramatically timbre of voice. England is nothing less than a mini Fake Empire, with its mini touches of violin and cunning tempo. While Terrible Love set as first track announces a new type of ballad in a The National fashion. Hearing about spiders has never been more mesmerizing. The song is the M in 'mesmerizing' to what a song from this band can be. And one of the few songs that I’ve adored even more by listening to one of its live versions.


From Terrible Love to Bloodbuzz Ohio to England: songs effectively gradated as musical blows are aimed towards an audience fallen deeply in love with The National. Or that should definitely be in love with them. Even if it’s only for the voice. And afterwards to follow it all with more dramatic power - the instrumental. The National present High Violet.

*photo courtesy of americanmary.com