Review: “High Violet” by The National

The Brooklyn-based, The National, has built its fan base the true “Indie” way by putting out great songs and touring incessantly. I became an instant fan when I heard the tune “Start A War” on an episode of One Tree Hill. Their latest, High Violet, takes the band to another level with its excellent mix of lush arrangements, dark, sad, clever lyrics, catchy hooks and, of course, singer/songwriter Matt Berninger’s distinctive baritone.

“Terrible Love” with it’s “Crimson and Clover-esque” guitar sound and the great lyric “It’s a terrible love and I’m walking with spiders” opens the 11-song disc. Berninger’s voice shines through on the radio-friendly, best track, “Bloodbuzz Ohio,” the haunting “Sorrow,” the dark “Afraid of Everyone,” the catchy “Lemonworld” and the sad “Runaway.” The extremely melodic “Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks” closes out the disc and makes you want to hit the start button and listen to the whole disc again and again.

After more than ten years as a band, High Violet should take The National from indie-darling to a mass audience. Chalk one up for persistence.

“Bloodbuzz Ohio” by The National

“Terrible Love” by The National

“Afraid of Everyone” by The National