National Anthems

At first listen, the NYC-based, The National, comes across as just another dark, brooding NYC indie-rock band. A la Interpol or The Walkmen. But an assumption like that would be fool-hearty and detrimental as The National outshines all others in their ability to stay with you after you’ve stopped listening. The depth of these songs is somewhere in between “haunting” and “memorable” and therefore echoes more of The Doors or Psychedelic Furs than anything else. The deep voice of lead singer Matt Berninger mixed with some great song-writing is what gives this band an edge. Just when you think it’s all dark, a high-note riff comes in and creates an instant warmth that is both moving and engaging.

Seriously I don’t know what else to say. This album is hypnotic in how well it draws you in and allows you to absorb the material. The more you listen to this band, the more addictive it becomes. And yet it always seems fresh and new. I’ve listened to this album over a hundred times now and it just doesn’t get old. I wake up now humming these tunes. It gets into your subconscious and just resonates. If it’s not the Subway “$5 Dollar Foot Long” it’s a National tune.