I was late to the party when it comes to The National. But when it comes to discovering any great band, better late than never.

I’m a big post-punk fan. I love the brooding tone, experimental riffs, and gothic influence. It soothes me.

The National hits the post-punk vibe out of the park. They’re one of the better post-punk revival bands I’ve heard. The group from Brooklyn consists of Matt Berninger (singer/songwriter), and two sets of brothers: Aaron Dessner (bass, guitar, and keyboard), Bryce Dessner (guitar), and Scott Devendorf (guitar), and Bryan Devendorf (drums).

Their earlier albums are melancholic. The first two, The National (2001) and Sad Songs for Dirty Lovers (2003) sound dark and give off a sad feeling. But oddly enough, it doesn’t make me feel sad. Almost like Joy Division, it’s like there’s a feeling of comfortability in the gloom.

They broke into the mainstream with their third album, Alligator (2005) which was well-received critically as well. It built a lot of hype for their next album, Boxer (2007). In these albums, I think they perfected their sound. Still gloomy and dark, but I think the songs have a bit more juice and sound more like rock music. Beringer’s voice is so deep, and it fits so well with the music. I think Boxer might be my favorite album they’ve made.

Subsequent albums, High Violet (2010) and Trouble Will Find Me (2013) keep the greatness going. Honestly, this four-album run since Alligator is something special. They’re all consistent, powerful, and brilliant lyrically. When I went through their discography, I kept waiting for them to fall off, but it just doesn’t happen. They’re one of the most consistently great bands of the past 20 years.

I find with The National, nothing especially stands out above the pack. It’s just consistently good. Sleep Well Beast (2018) and I Am Easy to Find (2019) follow this same pattern. Solid efforts all around, but there isn’t that one song that you must hear. It plays better as a full album. You can feel a story being told throughout, and that makes it feel cohesive and tight.

In 2020, they were featured on the Taylor Swift single “coney island” and their popularity took a big jump. Beringer’s voice is the perfect compliment to Swift’s. The sing did so well, Swift appeared in “The Alcott,” a single from their new album which came out this year, First Two Pages of Frankenstein.

The National is a band that you should check out if you haven’t before. Their unique sound is something that sticks with you. They’ll be performing in Burnaby at Deer Lake Park on June 5th with Soccer Mommy. Don’t miss out!