The National Rock a Sold Out Set at The Anthem

Okay. So, I have a confession to make. Although I’ve been a fan of The National’s music for years I’ve never seen them live, on-stage before. I had told myself that if they ended up touring again I would be there and up against the rails. With the release of the band’s new album, The First Two Pages of Frankenstein, I had my chance.

Having gotten a ticket for their show at The Anthem seconds before it sold out I had sheepishly told a friend that this would be my first time seeing them. “Oh, then you’re in for something special.” And I was soon to discover how right they were.

Selling out a venue like the 6,000 seat Anthem is a feat, but then selling out the first night and then doing it again as they added a second night was a testament to how this band has grown over the years. As the place started filling up, I met concert goers who had seen them ten times or more but each time had them wanting to see them again.

The National started their set with a string of songs off the new album. Songs like “Eucalyptus” sounded even better as Matt Berninger (vocals) walked across the stage, pleading to the audience and stepping over to the barricade. And there were plenty of opportunities for the twins, Aaron and Bryce Dessner, to bring out those harmonizing solos as they sandwiched Berninger and played to the crowd.

Hitting their stride as the band transitioned from “Brainy” to “Bloodbuzz Ohio” from High Violet as everyone in the place sang along.

Through the evening, The National were a perfectly oiled machine. That steady rhythm from brothers, Scott (bass) and Bryan (drums) Devendorf were rock solid reminding me of bands like Joy Division and Neu! whose beat propels and pulses.

The band ended their set with fan favorite, “Fake Empire,” before returning to the stage for an extended encore. As they returned to the stage, The National played the acoustic sing along, “Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks” as Matt Berlinger stepped out onto the dance floor to sing with the crowd.

An incredible night that, even now as I’m writing this well after the last notes have rung out I feel stuck in that moment.

Watch the official video for “Eucalyptus” by The National:

The setlist included:

Once Upon a Poolside
Eucalyptus
Tropic Morning News
New Order T-Shirt
Rylan
Brainy
Bloodbuzz Ohio
Demons
Conversation 16
Humiliation
Murder Me Rachael
Wasp Nest
Daughters of the Soho Riots
Alien
Grease in Your Hair
Coat on a Hook
Day I Die
Pink Rabbits
England
Graceless
Fake Empire