As deep as Barry White? I think so! (Boxer - The National)

Member Name: SaveMeTheMoney

Product:	Boxer - The National
Date:	01/06/09 (26 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Amazing deep resonating lyrics

Disadvantages: Maybe some people will think it a bit samey

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 thought, each song takes twists and turns and yet it can never quite shake off the feeling of loneliness and emptiness that seems to follow them around.

The sinister Brainy is the real heart of darkness here. This is a theme for stalking with its dark lyrics of "You know I keep your fingerprints". This all delivered in the rich and velvety smooth voice of Matt Berninger who's vocals are now as deep as they've ever been. Berninger's deep vocals do not have a massive range, but when they deliver the lines, you can almost feel the bass cause the floor to shake.

The crashing drums of Squalor Victoria beat and rage through the song, bringing it kicking and screaming through it's duration and ensuring it does not get too down.

Slow Show illustrates their exemplary song-writing skills, not just in Matt Berninger's worn, dusty lyrics, but in the way the song is constructed as they successfully merge acoustic and electric guitars better than most of their contemporaries.

The whole album does not really deviate or develop The National sound at all, but that doesn't matter. What they've done is added little twists to the musical back drop which augments their sound, they've not gone over the top by adding a huge orchestra or something, there's little additions of accordion, acoustic guitar, piano or brass.

There only real down side to this album is that it's darkness could become a bit monotonous, Berninger's delivery isn't for everyone and will, no doubt, bore some listeners. Now I cannot claim to be one of those, as Boxer has quickly established itself as one of the most listened to albums on my ipod!

Summary: A wondrous album of rare and dark beauty