The National: 'Boxer'

Exciting as youthful vigour can be in music, it’s current ubiquity lends something special to music that carries itself with more grace. Famously the members of The National all had ‘proper’ jobs and were doing quite well when they decided to become musicians. The resulting sound is a considered and immensely gratifying, alt country with an airy wistfulness. The music is more expansive than Lambchop, but singer Matt Berninger has the same beleaguered drawl as Kurt Wagner and the same delicate low level tunefulness. Second track 'Mistaken For Strangers' is the most upbeat and intense on the album, but a vitality is evident throughout.

'Squalor Victoria' is a dismayed tune and full of yearning. At times there is a drift toward Americana MOR ('Apartment Story') ,but the whole is taut and essential and with haunting songs like Fake Empire and Guest Room this is not an album that will leave you quickly.

Released 21st May 2007 by Beggar’s Banquet.

Written by Huw Green.