When The National played the Olympia last year, I left with an incredible feeling of euphoria. It was simply “one of those nights”. Accordingly, I was trying to keep my expectations in check last night. This proved a shrewd move, for it was a enjoyable show, but that same feeling of just wanting to be quiet and alone, for fear that I would lose the magic of what had just happened, did not come to me afterwards.
I was a little surprised by the choice to open with Brainy, but it came with a nicely souped-up instrumental ending that included the use of backing musicians on trombone and trumpet. The same sort of ending also featured on the pre-encore outro of Fake Empire.
Matt Berninger came across as being much more confident in his role as front man last night, even if he was still taking walks around the stage, with his back to the audience, whenever he was not called upon to sing. Particularly at the start, he seemed to enjoy talking to the crowd and they were responding with real enthusiasm to the slightest bit of attention that he paid them.
Indeed, despite an image that involves shocking haircuts, poor dress sense, and large pairs of glasses, this is a band that enthralls its fans. It is very refreshing to see this in an industry where too many bands are 90% image and attitude and just 10% talent. While I am exaggerating with that last point, it still fundamentally goes to show that if a band can emotionally connect with its audience, all other considerations go out the window. Oops, did I just say that quality matters? Who would have thought it?
Turning back to the performance, the contribution of Padma Newsome to the band’s live performance cannot be underestimated. His fine violin solos, his dramatic style of playing, and a variety of little touches added a lot to the evening. Watching how Bryan Devendorf goes about his business is also quite impressive.
Songs that came across brilliantly for me last night included All The Wine, Racing Like A Pro, and Ada. I also really liked the way that Matt let loose a bit on the final two encores of Squalor Victoria and Mr. November. The release of emotion was quite powerful, even if he did not end up being carried in the arms of cheerleaders this time around!
I was a little disappointed that the show seemed a little short, although they did play sixteen songs. Although, I heard afterwards that they were meant to play a fourth encore, but that time must have gone against them. Here is the set list that was played:
- Brainy
- Secret Meeting
- Mistaken For Strangers
- Baby, We’ll be Fine
- Slow Show
- Abel
- All The Wine
- Tall Saint
- Racing Like A Pro
- Ada
- Apartment Story
- The Blue Sky
- Fake Empire
Encores:
- Start A War
- Squalor Victoria
- Mr. November
Filed under: Gigs, Music | Tagged: The National
Good review- felt the same about the magic not being there. Squalor Victoria was fantastic though!
Thanks Tim. The ending to S/V was class!
I fucking love the National. They are a sublime group.
Are they playing a venue near you any time soon?
Duds this was an amazing night, I was there on the first and 3rd night in the front row and what a show, not to mention the Two Gallants, Have you ever seen a drummer with so much enthusiasm, he was wicked, what a great start to the night.
As for Matts stage presence, well thats what he does, I think he is great, so what if he turnes his back on the crowd, I guess he is just focusing on what he is on stage to do and he does it with passion, look at Bob Dylan, your lucky if he dosnt have his back to you all night.
Ok I saw the National last year too and they did go more crazy (matt actually patted my head as he surfed over me at the end of the night) but do you honistly expect them to go mad every night on stage,there not teenagers, they have real tallent and show it on stage.
Ill go again next time there here for sure.
Thats my 2 cent worth.
Colm, great comment. Thanks.
I am presuming that you meant “Dudes” though. Otherwise, I will see you round back for a few words!
Two real points…
1. I was observing Matt’s performance, not judging it!! Its really very endearing that he goes for those little wanders (if “endearing” is an OK term to use re another bloke!).
Bob Dylan - heh!
2. I was implying at the start that I do not expect a euphoric gig from them every time. For example, there are a few favourite bands that I have seen five or more times each. Maybe two of their shows were brilliant, brilliant, brilliant, and the rest were good to great. Its the way of things…
Bottom line - great band, enjoyable performance, glad you liked it so much!
Yep Dudes, Its my duslexia.
Matts hand movements are great and its a trade mark,quirk kind of thing but I like it. There were no steps to get off the stage at these shows so maybe thats why he didint surf, maybe he was too sober.
No dramas! Being called a “dud” probably borders on the polite around these parts anyway!
At a guess, the last time was utterly spontaneous. As I recall, he was perched on the barrier one minute singing away. The next, he was being carried horizontally through the crowd with such reverence that it became an incredibly intense moment. I was left gobsmacked by this notably introverted person being so into the occasion that he readily braved the arm-strength of strangers!
Wow!
really enjoyed both november and wednesday’s show i have to say. by any chance does anyone know the haunting vocal introduction song, the first of two with the second song the instrumental?(before the band came on)
Dave, its Flume by Bon Iver (aka Justin Vernon). its from his debut solo album For Emma, Forever Ago. Well recommended if you like your plaintive folk music. He lived completely alone for three winter months in a remote log cabin in deepest darkest Wisconsin and this album is the result!
He plays Crawdaddy early next month, if interested!
Thans Longman Oz, i’ll have to check it out if i track down a ticket. Cheers for getting back so quickly. Look forward to your review if i don’t make it.
Hopefully you do man! Far better to see it than to read about it!