The National

Since the release of their acclaimed album »High Violet« at the latest, and the bittersweet, melancholy hit »Bloodbuzz Ohio« of 2010, the touring quintet, now at home in Brooklyn/New York, have managed to progress beyond insider-tip status.The group’s majestically floating music owes much to the oaken baritone of singer Matt Berninger, a high priest of elegant melancholy, who licks his emotional wounds on stage as much as in the studio.

With songs that are often nothing short of hymns about grand feelings, about isolation, heartache and even everyday fears for one’s livelihood, The National belong to the tradition of bands like Echo and the Bunnymen, Tindersticks and Arcade Fire.