THE NATIONAL

'Boxer'

Up until a few weeks ago, I hadn't fallen sway to the hype around Ohio's The National until catching a few tunes from this release on the countless blogs heralding it's impending release. Once I finally dipped my toe into the pool, I saw what everybody had been talking about since 2003's 'Sad Songs for Dirty Lovers' and actually ended up being so enamored I copped 2005's 'The Alligator' a day or two after first hearing this one.

'Boxer' seems to kind of bridge the sounds of the two previous releases together...full of both sullen folk and punchy indie rock. Throw in the addition of some orchestral flourishes via brass and strings (done up great on lead track 'Fake Empire') and you have one of those albums that you can't help but want to listen to from start to finish. Lyrically, this disc is just a moody as it's predeccessors and the oft sullen vocals of Matt Berninger bring to mind a noontime bender in a dark, nearly-deserted dive bar...only to have the music wash you in sunlight when you finally head into the world outside.

Like I said, this an album in the truest sense of the word...one to be enjoyed in it's entirety. If put into a corner, i'd pick the mid-album trifecta of 'Apartment Story', 'Start a War' and 'Guest Room' as my favorite tracks. Watch for this one to be placed atop many an indie cool kid's 'Best Of' list...maybe even mine. It's out now, so go pick it up!