The National - High Violet (4AD)

"All our lonely kicks are harder to find/We'll play nuns versus priests until somebody cries," croons The National's lead vocalist Matt Berninger on "Little Faith" on The National's fifth studio LP, High Violet. Following 2007's surprise hit Boxer which received critical acclaim so High Violet has high expectations. The National continue the very driving guitar riffs and monotone-like vocals of Berninger and delivers a more deep and atmospheric album as compared to Boxer.

The National really sound depressed in High Violet. They're lyrics talk of normality in the human nature. Most of their song themes are just.. well just about normal people. "Bloodbuzz Ohio" is about financial troubles, "Conversation 16" is just about how a normal family life routine can create a man into a zombie ("I was afraid, I'd eat your brain") and "Sorrow" can take an emotion and put into a very lucid character.

Besides just the very deep song meanings that High Violet has to offer, the instrumentation is simple yet effective. The guitar distortion creates a very heavy drift feel over the horns and orchestras that appear throughout the album. The most concise song on this LP is by far "England", it bubbles up insides you and just explodes at the climax creating a very pleasurable listen. But, going to the downside of the sound is that Berninger's vocals can really get really drowsy. "Little Faith" is a fabulous song, but I always feel unsatisfied towards the climax of the song because Berninger's monotone-like vocals don't seem to rise in pitch towards a more impacting sound. But, luckily on most of the tracks, Berninger's vocals are backed by other band member's vocals to create beautiful harmonies.

High Violet is a very rewarding listen that is very accessible to any casual listener. From pop to hip-hop, The National has a musical "family" persona with their music. As compared to their '07 hit, Boxer, I think that High Violet rises above it in all aspects, creating a more atmospheric and original sound that is a highlight for the 2010 musical season.

Overall: 8.8/10


Track Listing:

1. Terrible Love - 8.5 *
2. Sorrow - 8.5
3. Anybody's Ghost - 9.0 *
4. Little Faith - 9.0
5. Afraid of Everybody - 9.0
6. Bloodbuzz Ohio - 9.0
7. Lemonworld - 9.0
8. Runaway - 8.0
9. Conversation 16 - 9.0 *
10. England - 9.5 *
11. Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks - 9.0 *

* - Notable Track

Sample:

"Bloodbuzz Ohio"