The National - High Violet

Finding that rarified and hallowed space between cerebral and elegant rock melodies, dark, dramatic tension and the occasional outburst of explosive power, New York's midwest transplants The National have almost single-handedly raised the bar on what a contemporary and artful indie band can accomplish. The two sets of instrumentally gifted brothers -- Aaron and Bryce Dessner, Scott and Bryan Devendorf -- along with frontman/lyricist Matt Berninger, with his distinctive, somber baritone, have created some of the most lavishly praised albums of the last decade, particularly 2005's breakout Alligator and 2007's Boxer (described by Paste as "the most gorgeous, affecting record of the year"). Despite a fairly low profile and a rather nondescript name, The National have methodically, unpretentiously crept into the "yeah, they're great" category -- and sold nearly 200,000 copies of Boxer -- without having to resort to the usual look-at-me media stunts.

Not surprisingly, new album High Violet (May 11, 4AD), is garnering hefty advance buzz. Lead track "Bloodbuzz Ohio", is a grand peak at what's in store, a stately, densely packed and taut rocker that is propelled by Bryan Devendorf's incendiary, muscular drum play. Berninger's sober, matter-of-fact vocals and obscure lyrical references may appear somewhat at odds with the flurry of percussive thrust and layer upon layer of foreboding instrumentation, but after a few listens the sheer haunting magnificence of the song seeps through, unobtrusively and without breaking a sweat -- just like The National themselves. Described as the band's "most thematically twisted record to date", we find ourselves anxiously -- if quietly -- awaiting High Violet.

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The National - "Bloodbuzz Ohio" (from the album High Violet) (Free download here)