High Violet
The National
Brooklyn’s The National are the absolute antithesis of an overnight success. Together for over a decade, the group’s slow ascent to international acclaim has been emotional. While several critics have clicked with albums of swollen heart and bruised soul, a handful have mistaken deliberate, delectable languor for dismissible listlessness. But those who’ve embraced Matt Berninger’s baritone, and subsequently each fascinating detail that trails in its wake, have discovered a band for life – for love and loss, euphoric highs and exhausting lows. For everything, always.
High Violet is the quintet’s fifth long-player proper (and highest of profile yet), following 2007’s excellent Boxer, and again features orchestral embellishments courtesy of Clogs’ Padma Newsome. It is being talked about in certain circles as a potential album of the year, but this is no release to shout about from the rooftops in the hope of attracting strangers. Its charms are subtle, its grip soft and easily shrugged by those who choose to pay it only passing attention. Live with it a while, though, and High Violet rewards patience with songs that colour one’s waking existence, becoming vivid night-time narratives when curtains are drawn.
Berninger’s lyrics, though tonally divisive, are incredibly engaging. He’s no Steinbeck, no Kerouac, despite endorsements from the most feverishly faithful; but his stories, delivered with wrenching sincerity, form the first point of entry for newcomers awaiting enlightenment. High Violet is an album characterised largely by absence, and displacement – of being someplace other than ideal. This extends from simple geography – the overseas lover of England’s vexed protagonist, the big-city claustrophobia of the luscious Little Faith – to the afterlife ruminations of Anyone’s Ghost, a song that blindsides with its switch from aloof coolness to an affecting concession of continued allegiance after death parts its players.
To the untrained ear, High Violet may sound pedestrian. But such drama lies in the richly textured nuances that this album ultimately plays like a movie you’d never dream of breaking from, whatever the reason. Set fire to the theatre and The National will play on, those who paid attention earlier again foregoing comfort for captivating beauty, until the final flames flicker into stillness.
Reviewed by Steve Muscutt
is this made by humans? [4]
is this made by humans? [3] ...just came here to say- amazing album
is this made by humans? [2]
It's in my honey, it's in my milk [2]
'(...) soul, soul, soul, soul, soul (...)'
Took me over a year to fully appreciate this; totally worth it. It just doesn't stop growing.
My fave from the album
An incredible album, that i've attempted to review, hope you like it :) http://nebreviews.blogspot.com/2012/01/national-high-violet-2010.html
This album is truly incredible....
<3
is this made by humans?
pure genius
Don't leave my hyper heart alone on the water
Best of 2010! [2] easily
Little Faith
Best of 2010!
this album is a fuckin masterpiece!
This is, for sure, one album to remember. [5]
This is, for sure, one album to remember. [4]
This is surely,one album to remember [3]
This is surely,one album to remember (2)!!
It's in my honey, it's in my milk
[url=http://www.last.fm/user/tihsymtae/journal/2010/12/12/43k2az_top_scrobbles_of_2010]On my list of top scrobbles for 2010.[/url]
Yes, exceptional! What more can you say.
))
Awesome.
Great album.
Pure Gold!
This is, for sure, one album to remember.
I'm ashamed I was disappointed after the first listens. This album is a grower, and possibly their masterpiece.
just one word - perfect
Yes. That's the album of the year. There's no doubt about it now when 2010 is coming to an end. Better than Arcade Fire's The Suburbs (which is probably a runner-up). I wonder if these guys can make even better album than this. I sincerely hope so :)
jesus christ i can't stop listening to these b-sides
i want to snort this album
I would very much like to see this, Boxer, and The Virginia EP on the albums tab for this artist.
For polish users, here's my review http://wyspajowisza.blogspot.com/2010/10/muzyka-national-high-violet-2010.html feel free to stop by and leave a comment ;)
although i loove "the suburbs" this is the best album of the year for me.
perfection.
second best album of the year.
One of the best album of 2010, just love this voice... Hard to discribe...
far better than 'Suburbs'
10/10 aoty [2]
10/10 aoty
the production of this album is utterly stunning.
one of the best album of the year. good work!!! [2]
one of the best album of the year. good work!!!
i think it's the best album of the year so far. gotta go to buy the cd finally.
Pretty meh after the first one or two listens but now I love it. So much depth.
The best album of 2010 so far...
it is a lovely album from TN