The National - High Violet

Album Reviews Wed, 14 Jul 2010 Written by Paul Kelly
Editor rating
 
 4.0 User rating
 
 4.0 (1)
The National - High Violet

Indie standard-bearers bring along more of their outstanding, sparse tunes on their 5th studio album.

Critics' darlings, The National have returned with another collection of outstanding and genre-leading tunes, if we could put our finger on the genre, that is. The space afforded to the songs on this album belongs in the Empty Quarter.

‘Terrible Love’ sets the scene for this typically dark-sounding, but generally positive album. ‘Sorrow’ is reminiscent of Pink Floyd in some ways and ‘Anyone’s Ghost’ could almost reside in the ‘60’s. Standout track ‘Bloodbuzz Ohio’ showcases Matt Berninger’s distinctive baritone and is as haunting as it is uplifting.

An album that is curiously equally best played loud through speakers or quietly with headphones, guarantees to be this summer’s sleeper.

TRIPLEW.ME TRACK OF CHOICE

Bloodbuzz Ohio

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Bloodbuzz Ohio and Anyone's Ghost - hit 'Listen Live' at the top of the page to hear The National and many more!


Editor review

The National produce another great album

Rating:
 
 4.0
Reviewed by triplew.me
July 11, 2010
 
Last updated: July 15, 2010
Following up 2007's 'Boxer' would be a daunting task for many bands, but in true The National style, this album sees them finding new ground and lurching towards the mainstream. A beautiful, considered and creative album that has many different styles, with Bloodbuzz Ohio a standout track.
 
 

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Rating:
 
 4.0   (1)
 
 

National Pride

Rating:
 
 4.0
Reviewed by greenwood
July 28, 2010
 

although i still prefer Boxer, High Violet definitely continues the evolution of The National's sound. Matt Berninger is the first to admit that his baritone can get a little one dimensional at times, but he makes it work, and it creates an opportunity for the instrumentation to play a major role - it's beautiful, haunting indie at it's best.