National - First Two Pages of Frankenstein

  by Nick Dent-Robinson

published: 3 / 7 / 2023

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Review

The National were at one time viewed as America's answer to Radiohead with a repertoire of fine but world-weary songs that even the band's singer and lyricist Matt Berninger jokingly admitted could sometimes be a little depressing! But perceptions have shifted - partly due to all the highly-publicised extra-curricular activities of the band's guitarist and pianist Aaron Dessner. Dessner was the principal producer and co-writer of Taylor Swift's two top-selling lockdown albums, ‘Folklore’ and ‘Evermore’. He has also produced Ed Sheeran's forthcoming fifth album ‘Subtract’ and says working with these pop titans has helped him raise his game and bring new urgency to his work with The National. The band's new album, ‘First Two Pages Of Frankenstein”’ has definitely gained from Dessner's new work experiences. It is still readily recognisable as a record by The National – who found success in New York after moving there from Cincinnati in 1999. This ninth album from the quintet is rich in lyrical colour and beautiful, clever arragements and its fragile, piano-dominated ballads are punctuated by electronics and the occasional powerful rock number. Berninger's vocals are nicely enhanced by some elite female guests, too. Phoebe Bridgers adds soft Californian harmonies on two songs and Taylor Swift features on ‘The Alcott’. In penning songs for ‘First Two Pages of Frankenstein’, Berninger was inspired by Mary Shelley's gothic novel – hence the title of the record – and his narratives are vivid and literate with the use of interesting everyday details that he describes as his “little lily pads”. Berninger explores contrasting sides of a relationship on two tracks – ‘New Order T-shirt’ and ‘Eucalyptus’. In the first song, Berninger reminisces about new love.... “you in my New Order T-shirt, holding a cat and a glass of beer” - and in the second he chronicles the woes of a former couple dividing up the minutiae of their broken lives, from treasured LPs to a subscription for supply of mineral water! ‘Send For Me’ is one of several sweet love songs. Sung in Berninger's baritone croon, they are all wonderfully observed. The National are due to tour the UK this Autumn - and their live performance of all these new songs promises to be powerful

Track Listing:-

1 Once Upon A Poolside (feat. Sufjan Stevens)
2 Eucalyptus
3 New Order T-Shirt
4 This Isn’t Helping (feat. Phoebe Bridgers)
5 Tropic Morning News
6 Alien
7 The Alcott (With Taylor Swift)
8 Grease In Your Hair
9 Ice Machines
10 Your Mind Is Not Your Friend (feat. Phoebe Bridgers)
11 Send For Me

Band Links:-

https://www.americanmary.com/
https://www.facebook.com/thenationalof
https://twitter.com/TheNational

Label Links:-

http://www.4ad.com/
https://www.facebook.com/fourad/
https://twitter.com/4AD_Official
https://plus.google.com/explore/4AD

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