There is a
multitude of interesting, but bizarrely
named 21st century American indie bands
on my iPod- the Decemberists, Okkervil River, Arcade Fire, Vampire Weekend, the Hold
Steady - so it is easy to mistake them on shuffle. But you can never mistake
the distinctive earnest melancholy tones of the National.
"Fake
Empire" - a single from their fourth album, released in 2007, is probably
the track that established their reputation, before the acclaimed success of
"High Violet".
An unusual
breakout, as it was never a hit single, sounding positively haunting and disorientating.
The effect of guitarist Bryce Dessner wanting to try a polyrhythm on the piano,
two competing different rhythms in tandem. The effect is eerie, as the piano opens alone,
stark and confusing. As it builds, the bass, drum pattern and arresting French
horn seem to be clashing against each other.
Against such
a disconcerting backdrop, lead singer Matt Berninger breathed an suitable hymn for a restless and disillusioned
generation.
There are
typical wholesome American references to apple pies and lemonade, but with
unnerving undertones ("Put a little something in our lemonade"). They
are not fully living the American dream ("We're half awake in a fake
empire"), things are askew.
But it is not
all discouraging, as the advocate treasuring the smaller things in life, like
bluebirds and ice-skating. For the moment, we can ignore bigger picture ("Let's
not try to figure out everything at once") and live in the moment. It is
subtly written, doomed but hopeful, the
discordant backing always concerning.
Although
never a hit single, it was instantly seized by TV and movies, as a shortcut to
doubt and desolate malaise, the sombre piano the key. Barrack Obama's campaign team
also loved the music, so it underpinned
one of their key commercials. The start of mutual love affair, as the National
opened for his events on several occasions.
"Fake Empire" seems to be the perfect soundtrack for the uncertainties
of 2000s, and the National supply erudite and dissonant ambience.
Hear Next -
"High Violet" is their standout album.
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