The National – brooding but anthemic indie rockers
Brooklyn-based outfit The National gradually achieved chart-topping success with a brooding but anthemic sound that combined classic Americana, country and chamber pop with contemporary indie and art-rock. To experience their unique sound live on stage, you can both buy and sell The National tickets on StubHub.
From garage punk beginnings to the Grammys
Formed from the ashes of garage punk band Nancy in 1999, The National’s original line-up consisted of frontman Matt Berninger, guitarist Aaron Dessner, bassist Scott Devendorf and his drummer brother Bryan. The Brooklyn-based quartet released their self-titled debut in 2001 before following it up two years later with "Sad Songs for Dirty Lovers", by which point Dessner’s sibling Bryce had joined the fold, and then third release "Alligator" in 2005. The National scored their first Billboard 200 entry in 2007 with the more expansive-sounding "Boxer", and in 2010 they worked with the likes of Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon, Sufjan Stevens and Arcade Fire’s Richard Reed on fifth LP, "High Violet". The group’s collaborative streak continued when St. Vincent and Sharon Van Etten contributed to 2013’s "Trouble Will Find Me". And after pursuing various side projects including LNZNDRF, EL VY and Pfarmers, the band regrouped for 2017’s "Sleep Well Beast", a Grammy-winning affair that also topped the UK charts and peaked at No. 2 in the US. Their eighth LP, "I Am Easy to Find", hit the shelves in 2019. Check out the range of The National tickets now on offer on StubHub.
One of the indie-rock scene’s most compelling frontmen
In Matt Berninger, The National produced one of the modern indie-rock scene’s most compelling live performers. Whether wandering into the crowd to take selfies with fans or falling to his knees on stage while delivering his highly confessional and cathartic lyrics, the Ohio native quickly gained a reputation as being a thoroughly engaging presence. Of course, he’s also perfectly complemented by the tight-knit musicianship of his bandmates and the various guests that help to bolster The National’s quietly epic sound, with backing vocalists Pauline de Lassus and Kate Stables plus a seven-piece string section a regular part of the set-up over many years. Audiences should look forward to hearing a mixture of singles, key album tracks and fan favourites including US AAA Top 10 hits "The System Only Dreams In Total Darkness", "Day I Die" and "You Had Your Soul With You". If you haven’t yet experienced the band in their element, take a look at the various The National tickets now available on StubHub.
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