As a fellow beard wearer I can empathize with Matt Berninger's ponderous, whisker-stroking take on life, love and all likely absurdities in between. And whilst it's also true that I was a bit late to worship at the The National alter (previous album The Boxer being my personal introduction!) I've since immersed myself fully in the bands back catalogue and can rightfully claim that High Violet is where cult following and critical acclaim will take a back seat to TV fame, radio airplay and bigger touring venues.
Not that this 'material' stuff might mean too much, but they are the deserved rewards of producing an album like 'High Violet' that touches on familiar beguiling, atmospheric folk moments but that also bites back in places with a fervour and glee that sets the band up for all the accolades due to come their way.
And while Berninger's doleful vocals chime at the forefront it's still the skittering drumming of Bryan Devendorf which gels the whole thing together - perhaps the most compelling drummer around right now (I'd say). In isololation The National's parts may not possess the drama and vigour of the whole but it's on High Violet that this whole excells itself finally.
Lead single 'Bloodbuzz Ohio' is possessed of a simmering energy which seemingly doesn't know whether to fuck or fight whereas 'Terrible Love' and 'Conversation 16' probably deal with weightier themes but feel less likely to pull you under as the band wallow in their collective despair.
If this sounds a bit dreary and portentous and not at all uplifting then you should maybe take some time to listen to the album yourself as at some point during High Violet's 50 minutes it is all of these things and much more, including wry humour and sarcastic asides aplenty. Trust me they now hold the spot as album of the year contenders - without doubt!
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