The National - Fake Empire

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 Now - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KehwyWmXr3U

Hear Next -  "High Violet" is their standout album.