The National - High Violet

After the success of 2007’s Boxer – widely regarded as one of the best albums of the decade – the latest effort from Brooklyn-based band The National, High Violet, certainly has a lot to live up to. Which it does. Spectacularly.

Made at a relaxed pace at the band’s own studio in Ditmas Park, High Violet is a polished, professional album. The lack of raw, rough energy a speedy recording would inevitably provide is not missed – the subtle intricacies of their music with its modest embellishments are clever but not pretentious or overstated. The mellow sounds of the band are ornamented by guest appearances from the likes of Richard Reed Parry (Arcade Fire), Justin Vernon (Bon Iver) and Sufjan Stevens. This adds yet more dimensions to an already many-layered sound.

At first glance this album seems a little slow paced, the sort of thing you’d listen to on a rainy afternoon. Don’t let this fool you. ‘Bloodbuzz Ohio’ (the single release) is a stonker of a song about the realisation of never again being a teenager. The gradual build up of ‘England’ leads to a staggering orchestral section that is positively uplifting. Matt Berninger’s vocals never fail to charm, beautifully complemented by the piano and guitars. Bryan Devendorf’s drums are tight and careful to fit each song perfectly. These are incredibly talented musicians who create songs that elicit a myriad of emotions – they can simultaneously fill you with elation and something bordering on regret. The lyrics of ‘Sorrow’ do exactly as the song suggests – Berninger sings ‘I don’t want to get over you’ with startling, moving honesty.

This is an album I can listen to a hundred times and still find something new to be amazed with. Boxer is still my favourite, but this comes a very, very close second.

The National will be touring the UK in November, but you can catch them before that at Glastonbury and Latitude festivals.

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