High Violet by The National
I’ve been a fan of The National ever since I heard the opening chords of Beautiful Head from their self-titled debut LP. They are a rare breed; going from strength to strength, all the while keeping a consistent brilliance to their work.
Matt Berninger’s baritone delivery and ambiguous lyrics add an air of ‘mystery’ to The National. From very early on, there were signs of the oft acclaimed craft for which they are now famed.
High Violet is their coup de grâce to all other album releases this year. It is simply stunning… consistently stunning. It is a range of brilliantly crafted songs from a group at the height of their powers. As with all previous releases, we’re treat to euphoric highs and heart wrenching lows. Paced to perfection.
I can’t truly find the words to do this LP justice. All I can really say, is that if I had to listen to just one album for the next year, this would be it. Even after a good few months, I can’t help but feel it has much more still to offer.
