Saw The National in Belfast at the weekend and as I said in the concerts thread they were truly outstanding and the best band I've seen live in quite some time, possibly the best ever. They really were that good.
You just knew you were in for a special kind of night when the band strolled on and Matt was clutching a glass of red wine. Just something about that image screamed 'class' to me and class they were from the very first song 'Start a War'.
I was there early so we got right to the front and it was worth it as they put on a great show and was so good to be so close to a band full of musicians on top of their game. Bryce and Aaron Dessner were as good as I thought they would be, along with Scott Devendorf.
But the man I really was keen to hear live was one of the best drummers around in Bryan Devendorf and he didn't disappoint. He really is something else to see live and the intro to Squalor Victoria was a real treat. Fantastic work.
Matt also surprised me a bit as although I expected his voice to be great, and it was, it was his stage presence that was far better, if thats the right term, than I thought it was going to be. The man is brilliant live and as more wine was drunk he really came into life. So much so that he went into the crowd once and during the encore actually almost done a lap of the outer seats of the arena which the crew had their work cut out to keep his mic with him. Just wasn't expecting that and not sure if this is usual from him or if it was a spur of the moment thing.
The set itself was unreal and they played for almost two hours with the new album sounding as fantastic as I'd hoped alongside tracks from Alligator, Boxer and High Violet with too many highlights to mention although Afraid Of Everyone followed by Conversation 16 and then that drum intro into Squalor was great, Graceless from the new album sounded fantastic live and the acoustic Vanderlyle to close, with the band all right at front of the stage, was a perfect ending.
For a fan of the band who hasn't seen them live yet you simply have to go when you next have the chance but for anyone with even a passing interest then I'd highly recommend.
Also have to thank Racer and Brooklyn Red from here as it was through a discussion somewhere on here that I first listened to Runaway and instantly knew this band were something special and wondered how I'd missed them up to that point so cheers lads!
Not my photos but give a flavour of the night.
« Last Edit: Nov 11, 2013 10:50:23 pm by srslfc »
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