Band: The National
October 26th 2008 13:52
The National clearly know their 80s records. Originally more of a No Depression country group, The National morphed into a post punk leading light; Boxer and its predecssor, Alligator, put the band squarely at the top of the current crop of 80s revivalists, which also includes Interpol and The Killers.
The National may be the best of the bunch.
Singer Matt Berninger's impeccable style (if not his endearing failure to fully enunciate) most resembles Cohen's dark and literate poetry. Ringing guitars add resonance to some songs, while space and intricate shades of moodiness entrap the listener. This is a band to be listened to not in a crowded coffee shop or mall food court, but on headphones, alone, with a beer and perhaps a list of old lovers' phone numbers.
The group lacks humor, of course--at least in their recordings. This is to be expected. Like their influences, The National take life seriously, and describing the human condition is heavy stuff. Any buoyancy is derived from the occasional anthem-like riff or bass line.
And that's fine. The National are a monumental group because they uphold the post punk tradition of gloom, of seeing the world as spinning hopelessly out of control. If they're not in the mood, who are we to tell 'em to smile?
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