Yes I am guilty. I am known for loving most Beggars Banquet releases. So it should come as no surprise that I was very curious to check out their newest venture, New York’s The National. I have to admit, I didn’t know what to expect when I finally opened up the package that was sent to me with the new The National CD neatly tucked inside. I guess I was one of the few that was not familiar with their last three releases that came out over a course of four years. Right away I was blown away with track one, “Secret Meeting”. A dark song, with lyrics like “Didn’t Anyone Tell You/How To Gracefully Disappear In A Room” is the perfect kick off. The guitars in the chorus are reminiscent of dare I say, early U2 before it flows back to the mellow indie rock that comes off so naturally. Yes, at times vocalist Matt Berninge sounds like a young Nick Drake, and the band is a mixture of Tindersticks meets The Jayhawks with a little Silver Jews for good measure. Another highlight is the instant sing-along “Lit Up”, whose catchy chorus and uplifting music provide a great anthem for indie rockers. The single “Abel”, is just as intense as the previous songs, but also has a beautiful lush guitar section with the perfect use of vocals that are brought into the background. Focusing on the attitude of the song, rather than the words themselves. One thing is for sure; I know that I will be at their release party on April 12 at Supreme Trading in Brooklyn. You should go too.

The National
Beggars Banquet

1. Justboy
2. NYC’s The National Sign With Beggars
3. Radiohead Redone
4. The Vertigo Of Bliss
5. Strength In Numbers