FOR DOTT OF SKIES OF EMBER
The National embody what a lot of people love in rock bands. It has to do with the concept of paying dues -- a rite of passage we love to see bands earn -- and the National are the definition of it. The Ohio indie rockers have been fighting the good fight since 1999 and didn't start to actually make money until a half-decade had passed. Old school, right?
2007's zen-rock statement "Boxer" -- arguably the band's most enduring LP -- was the portrait of a band of 30-somethings learning their way around adulthood. Three years later, they followed with "High Violet," an album which found frontman Matt Berninger (then 39 years old) easing into that role, which included being a father for the first time. Along with bandmates the Dessner brothers (Aaron and Bryce) and the Devendorf brothers (Bryan and Scott), the National had reached a level of comfort very few indie rock acts achieve. That feeling of comfort permeates every part of their new album, "Trouble Will Find Me," due May 21 on 4AD.
A couple of years ago, R.E.M.'s Michael Stipe asked the National, "Why don't you guys just write a pop song? What are you afraid of? Don't be embarrassed." Whether or not they've tried to become more radio-friendly is not clear, although it's evident that the National are very satisfied at being the National, which includes few pop elements. They're a heady, dense, atmospheric rock band loved by many adults who are comfortable with being adults, and "Trouble" isn't likely to win them too many new fans. But that's fine -- the National already have plenty, and they've been trained to know that their records are always worth the time.
By Chris Payne, New York
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