Band of the Week: The National

Photo by @leebutterworthphoto

This week's featured band is The National, a rock band formed in Ohio in 1999. The band consists of members Matt Berninger (vocals), Aaron Dessner (guitar, keyboards), Bryce Dessner (guitar), Scott Devendorf (bass), Bryan Devendorf (drums).  Their sound can be compared to bands like Joy Division, and Interpol, crafting somber songs with complex structure and rhythms detailing stories of self-doubt, depression and love.

Their debut album, called The National, was released in 2001, on Brassland Records, an independent label founded by Aaron and Bryce Dessner.  The National soon released their follow-up album, Sad Songs for Dirty Lovers, in 2003. 

After gaining popularity, the band signed with Beggars Banquet Records and released their third album, Alligator, in 2005.  The National went on to continue touring and recording, releasing albums in 2004, 2010, and 2013.

Their most recent album, Sleep Well Beast, was released in 2017 to critical acclaim.

Songs to check out:
- "The System Only Dreams in Total Darkness" - Sleep Well Beast
- "Don't Swallow the Cap" - Trouble Will Find Me, 2013
- "Mistaken For Strangers" - Boxer, 2007