The National - Brixton Academy, London - December 1st 2010 (Live Review)
Friday, 10 December 2010
Written by Ben Bland
Sometimes a band produces a record of such obvious quality that they cannot help but turn from underground heroes to mainstream breakthrough act of the year. Sadly such occurrences are rare but that probably makes it all the more satisfying when they do happen. Thus it is incredibly satisfying to see The National having gone, in the space of just a few months, from playing Camden’s Electric Ballroom to three nights at Brixton Academy, via the Royal Albert Hall. This rise has not come totally out of the blue. The last three albums produced by the Brooklyn based quintet have been nothing short of classic records. Each showcases songs built around the powerful baritone of frontman Matt Berninger and his tortured lyrics. Although 2005’s ‘Alligator’ and 2007’s ‘Boxer’ were both critically well received they sold modestly and it was not until this year’s ‘High Violet’ that the band truly made their breakthrough; the record reached #5 on both sides of the Atlantic. Having toured practically all year in support of the new record, the band’s European tour reaches its apex at what is probably the most legendary London venue still standing.
There’s no doubting it’s a sell out either, making it around 15,000 people who have seen The National in the capital by the time Wednesday’s show winds down. Despite the weather, acknowledged by the band as being “horrible and weird”, it seems like everyone who could possibly be at Brixton tonight has made it. This creates what appears to be a somewhat daunting experience for support act Phosphorescent. The vehicle of singer-songwriter Matthew Houck, the band’s country infused indie folk impresses during an enjoyable forty-five minute set. Despite having an audibly sore throat, Houck’s songs rise high in stature, especially the likes of ‘Los Angeles’. Houck is also aided by an impressive backing band, especially guitarist Jesse Anderson Ainslie whose soloing is occasionally reaches epic proportions.
Although Phosphorescent are good, everybody packed into Brixton Academy tonight is here to see The National. Opening up with ‘Mistaken for Strangers’, one of the best known tracks the band have, The National don’t attempt to do anything over the top during their performance. Although he too has a sore throat, Berninger still delivers his vocals near perfectly, standing almost perfectly still at the mic throughout the majority of the set. The Dessner and Devendorf brothers are also totally intent on their instruments, with only drummer Bryan Devendorf providing major visual activity. Their sound is fleshed out live by two brass players and a keyboardist, ensuring that none of the subtleties of their records are missed out in the live arena. Despite having a screen that could be used for more intriguing graphics, most of what backs the band is footage of the performance. All this emphasises that, for The National, a live performance is all about their magnificent songs and truly they don’t need anything else.
It is rare for a set to be composed almost entirely of bona fide classics but The National manage it here tonight. Whether it is the disturbing ‘Conversation 16’ or the helpless romanticism of ‘Slow Show’, the quality of what is on show is quite extraordinary. There are many of the faithful in the audience, prepared to sing along with every cynical line that comes out of Matt Berninger’s mouth. There cannot be anyone in the venue who fails to be transfixed by the time of the encore and the viscerally angry ‘Mr. November’. For once Berninger is a hive of activity, diving off the stage and into the crowd to spit out the bitter chorus. The evening ends with the double header of both the opener and closer from ‘High Violet’. ‘Terrible Love’ provides a rollercoaster of soaring emotion before a gorgeous unplugged version of ‘Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks’ – and by unplugged I mean the band standing at the front of the stage without any amplification or microphones, just bawling out the song into the silence, accompanied by the 5,000 present. It marks a beautiful end to a beautiful evening. Although they may not be the most active band on stage, The National are one of the best bands you’ll see on stage.
The National setlist:
Mistaken for Strangers
Anyone’s Ghost
Slow Show
Squalor Victoria
Afraid of Everyone
Bloodbuzz Ohio
Lemonworld
Lit Up
All the Wine
Conversation 16
Sorrow
Apartment Story
Abel
Green Gloves
England
Fake Empire
Encore:
About Today
Mr. November
Terrible Love
Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks (Unplugged)
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Although Phosphorescent are good, everybody packed into Brixton Academy tonight is here to see The National. Opening up with ‘Mistaken for Strangers’, one of the best known tracks the band have, The National don’t attempt to do anything over the top during their performance. Although he too has a sore throat, Berninger still delivers his vocals near perfectly, standing almost perfectly still at the mic throughout the majority of the set. The Dessner and Devendorf brothers are also totally intent on their instruments, with only drummer Bryan Devendorf providing major visual activity. Their sound is fleshed out live by two brass players and a keyboardist, ensuring that none of the subtleties of their records are missed out in the live arena. Despite having a screen that could be used for more intriguing graphics, most of what backs the band is footage of the performance. All this emphasises that, for The National, a live performance is all about their magnificent songs and truly they don’t need anything else.
