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The National: Melancholy Masters of Modern Rock
20 Aug
Summary
- The National crafts rock music about relatable, everyday life moments.
- High Violet features a darker, more ornate sound than previous albums.
- The band's lyrics offer solace for listeners' neuroses and anxieties.
The National has solidified its reputation for crafting widescreen, emotionally resonant rock music by focusing on relatable, everyday moments. Their fifth album, High Violet, released recently, marks a shift towards a darker and more ornate sound.
Singer Matt Berninger's lyrics on High Violet delve into themes of self-destruction and commiseration, even on upbeat tracks. This introspection offers a salve for listeners' neuroses, providing a sense of reassurance amidst personal struggles.
Despite facing criticism for their no-frills approach, the band chose to refine their sound on High Violet, resulting in ornate yet structurally sound songs. Tracks like "Sorrow" and "Afraid of Everyone" demonstrate their mastery in crafting compelling musical narratives that explore adult burdens and anxieties, such as financial stress and social unease.
