The NationalHigh Violet
4AD Records [2010]
Fire Note Says: Elegant and brooding - the only way you want your National!
Album Review:
If you are looking for an outright explosion of sound on The National's highly anticipated new record High Violet, then you might still be looking, as its overall tone mirrors their last several efforts. What you will find is an intense record that ebbs and flows, as its textures surround the well know anguished baritone of lead singer Matt Berninger and more so, find the band building momentum within its tracks as they fade in and out. The National have had past upbeat numbers but on High Violet the band strategically increases its track tempos, while still containing them in the controlled environment of their well known song structures. This gives High Violet a different overall vibe but does not affect The National's strength to give you an album that slow burns its way into your permanent memory. It once again is a record that might not immediately put you in awe but after several listens you will start to hum along, after five start to sing along and after ten you will deem High Violet one of your favorites in 2010!
Key Tracks: "Anyone's Ghost", "Bloodbuzz, Ohio", "Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks"
Bands With Similar Fire:
The Veils
American Music Club
Tindersticks
The National: Boxer [Fire Note Review 5/22/07]
Official National Website
The National MySpace
The National Facebook
4AD Records
-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony
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