The National is a band that formed in Cincinnati, Ohio, and migrated to Brooklyn, New York. I was particularly drawn to this band, as I am with most bands, because of the singer and lyrics. The vocals have to be really amazing or really interesting. In this case, lead singer Matt Beringer, the lead singer has a very unique baritone voice — which makes for great band recognition immediately.
Another thing that drew me to their music was how incredibly percussive the compositions are. Bryan Devendorf is an INCREDIBLE drummer. It is also interesting to me that The National is a five piece with a lead singer and two pairs of brothers.
Boxer is the band’s fourth album, and I discovered it the same day I discovered the band Deerhunter’s album Microcastles. Needless to say, it was one of those having overplayed everything and wanted new music, and these discoveries sort of changed the soundtrack of my daily events. Boxer hits you right away. It reminded me a bit of the energy of Interpol, and that baritone voice is pretty comforting. The song that haunted me right away was “Mistaken For Strangers.”
It is rewarding when you stumble upon something new: You listen, you hear varying levels of talent that encourage and inspire. I love this album, and I feel pretty certain you will too upon listening.