James Villa– By Dustin Blocker –
RATING: “PUSH PLAY”
Twelve years deep into their indie rock careers, Brooklyn’s The National continue to mix the despondency with despair to striking effect on their eighth studio record Trouble Will Find Me. Matt Berninger’s storied baritone languidly floats amongst intricate guitar arrangements, muted drum rounds and hazy ambience envelopes.
The band has mastered the art of gloom so much so, that would-be party anthems buckle under their own weight. Standouts “Pink Rabbits” and “Don’t Swallow the Cap” encircle themselves in so much deprecation that the intemperance literally bleeds off the record. And honestly, the blood is exquisite.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psdbvZpRUEo&w=560&h=315]
“Don’t Swallow the Cap“
The National
