The National - Boxer (Beggars Banquet, 2007)

On Boxer, The National's brilliant fourth album, the band have perfected their brand of brooding, emotive rock'n'roll, most recently displayed on their critically acclaimed 2005 album, Alligator. The band member's understanding of melody, mood, and tone, coupled with lyricist Matt Berninger's sublime skill with words, combine on each of Boxer's twelve tracks to create songs that are equal parts detail and drama.
From the opening piano chords on the album's first track, Fake Empire - also one of the album's finest - one thing is instantly clear: The National make music that is not only high listenable, but also music that immediately pulls you into its world of Green Gloves, golden slippers, and Squalor Victoria.
The drums sound sharp and dynamic; the guitars warm and angular; the additional orchestration, including piano, strings and horns, is always welcome and only serves to heighten the emotion of the band's sound. The true meaning of Berninger's lyrics is often concealed by his esoteric word play, though, strangely, this seems to draw the listener into each song deeper still. Perhaps the true essence of The National, is their ability to find the drama and beauty in the mundane nuances of every day life.
Easily one of the year's best albums, Boxer should finally earn The National the mass recognition they so clearly deserve. Buy this album.

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