National - Leeds Metropolitan University, Leeds, 1/7/2008
by Helen Tipping
published: 20 / 6 / 2008
intro
Helen Tipping is impressed by both the accessibility and stateliness of Americana band the National's unique brand of indie rock at a show at the Metropolitan University in Leeds
Arriving somewhat late for the gig, due to bad weather and a diversion in Leeds, the National have already started when I arrive at the Leeds Metropolitan University. Getting into the hall is a bit of a bind – for some reason people are squashed back against the rear doors, and don’t seem to be moving forward or out of the way of anyone that wants to actually get in. A quick look about shows that there’s room nearer the front, so I go further down so I can actually see the band that I’m supposed to be reviewing. It’s a warm night, and it’s sweaty in the hall, but once I’m within striking distance I can see that people are dancing and enjoying themselves. And that’s as it should be. The National play very accessible indie rock music, adding trombone, trumpet and violin to the usual combination of bass, guitar and drums and this adds that something extra to the music to carry it way above the standard indie fare that is often performed. The musicianship is excellent and the songs are beautifully crafted. Some are very simple whilst others are more complex and draw you in. As well as showcasing material from their latest album, 'Boxer', the band also play enough of their older songs to keep the audience satisfied. During the encore, the support, who I missed, Carline Martin joins the band for a cover of one her own songs, 'Without Permission', which the National's singer Matt Berninger says is one of his favourite love songs. He enjoys banter with the audience and the rest of the band, with an impromptu rendition of 'Happy Birthday' for drummer Bryan Devendorf taking place at the beginning of the encore. The National also hand out drinks to the front rows of the audience. It’s hot where I am, so it must be a sauna down there! I really enjoyed this gig, despite not really having heard much by the group before, and wondered why they’d escaped my radar. I suppose there are so many bands and so little time, but I’m glad I made the time tonight.
Band Links:-
https://www.americanmary.com/https://www.facebook.com/thenationalofficial
https://twitter.com/TheNational
Have a Listen:-
Picture Gallery:-
interviews |
Interview (2007) |
One of the most acclaimed of the indie scene, the National return at the end of May with their fourth album, 'The Boxer'. Guitarist Aaron Dessner talks to Ben Howarth about the band's development over the last five years and why the new album is a step up for them |
Interview (2004) |
live reviews |
Academy, Manchester, 10/11/2007 |
Dixie Ernill watches the much acclaimed National play a stunning and often unexpected set at the Academy in Manchester |
Nottingham Arena, Nottingham, 11/7/2007 |
Koko, London, 31/5/2006 |
favourite album |
A Skin, A Night (2008) |
Ben Howarth looks at 'A Skin. A Night', alt rock band the National's new film and EP package, but, despite it arriving hot on the heels of their high regarded 'Boxer' album, is unconvinced by it. |
soundcloud
reviews |
First Two Pages of Frankenstein (2023) |
Immaculate and beautiful-sounding ninth album from the much axcclaimed The National |
Terrible Love (2010) |
High Violet (2010) |
Bloodbuzz Ohio (2010) |
Apartment Story (2007) |
Alligator (2005) |
Cherry Tree (2004) |
Sad Songs For Dirty Lovers (2003) |
most viewed articles
current edition
The Church - Interview with Steve KilbeySimon Heavisides - Destiny Stopped Screaming: The Life and Times of Adrian Borland
In Dreams Begin Responsibilities - #15- On Being Dignified and Old aka Ten Tips From Jah Wobble On How To Be Happy.
Jack Roscoe - Interview
Liam Gallagher and John Squire - Olympia Theatre, Dublin, 16/3/2024
Nico - Profile
Near Jazz Experience - Interview
Sami Sumner - Interview
Editorial - May 2024
Zombies - Interview
previous editions
Heavenly - P.U.N.K. Girl EPSound - Interview with Bi Marshall Part 1
Hollies - Interview
Joy Division - The Image That Made Me Weep
Sheffield - Ten Songs That Made Me Love...
Barrie Barlow - Interview
Pete Brown - Interview
Sal Bernardi - Interview
Phil Wilson - Interview Part 2
Meat Puppets - Interview
most viewed reviews
current edition
Lewis 'Burner' Pugh - Bullets for BreadKula Shaker - Natural Magick
Ian Hunter - Defiance Part 2: Fiction
Ty Segall - Three Bells
David Cross Band - Ice Blue Silver Sky
My Life Story - Loving You is Killing Me
Vampire Weekend - Only God Was Above Us
Hillbilly Moon Explosion - Back in Time
Beyonce - Cowboy Carter
Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes - Dark Rainbow
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart