Boxer - The National

Although 'Boxer' was originally released back in 2007, I have to admit to only discovering it last year, when Amazon helpfully recommended it to me based on previous purchases. I have to say that sometimes these recommendations are hit and miss, but this one was definitely a hit. The National hail originally from Cincinnati in the Mid West of America, although this album was written and recorded largely in New York. They are pretty much a quintessential New York indie rock band. You can sense a bit of the Strokes in here, but perhaps it is the deep vocals that make the National stand apart. This is an album of brooding confidence and independent ...  Read the complete review

This is my favourite band of the moment and one of my most listened to CD's! The National are a brilliant Indie/Rock/Alternative band and their music is truly addictive and I guarantee after this album you will be hooked! The first thing you will notice about this band is the singers voice. His voice is unusually deep, almost bass. It is warm and gravelly and kind of dream like in its tones. His voice carries you through the album in a comforting and melancholy way. For me, this album had a similar impact to the first time I heard Portishead's Dummy album. Although they are not similar at all, it had the same kind of effect of being something new, something ...  Read the complete review

The National's forth album is a sumptuous piece of alternative rock. A five piece band, they're led by the low rumbling voice of Matt Berninger, whos delightfully well observed lyrics give the album an extra dimension beyond the wonderfully crafted 12 tracks on the album. Opener "Fake Empire" builds beautifully to a cruscendo of rattling guitars, driving drums and brass. In a world of synth-pop and electronic drum beats infiltrating rock music, it is refreshing to see a band not resorting to such measures to create a wholesome, rich and uplifitng sound. However, the album is dark in places. "Brainy" and "Green Gloves" ...  Read the complete review

The National are most definately the best band in the world at the moment. Fact. Its just a shame that not many people actually know about them. A real shame. Because in "Boxer" they have one of the best albums of the last decade and on of the best albums ever made. This record starts off in blinding fashion with the stunning "Fake Empire". I cannot quite find the words to express how amazing this song is. It starts off as a slow piano based song. Then this amazing drum fill comes in and it all pulls together. Ahh its awesome. I do find it difficult to express The National "sound", its just something that you have to ...  Read the complete review