The National played the second and final night at The Bell House on a windy wet Friday (03/12/10). The show was sold out and there were fans on stage and in the crowd adding to the memorable occasion. High Violet will soon be released and everyone in attendance saw the band try out the new material an added plenty of old favorites.  The National are one of the best indie bands today due to their quintessential American storytelling and deft craftsmanship and on Friday created a masterful New York love story.

“This is the happiest song on our new album” Matt Berninger introducing “Sorrow”.

The band of Matt Berninger and brothers Andrew and Bryce Dessner and Bryan and Scott Devendorf were accompanied by many guests including Conrad Doucette from Takka Takka aiding on drums and Thomas Bartlett (Doveman) was helping out as well. The sound was perfect and the large ensemble filled the Bell House that was packed full of diehard fans. The band had played the night before and Berninger joked that because of the excellent result they felt really confident in the back; when that happens the band usually takes a dive. It comes as no surprise that the band did no such thing.

The band’s modus operandi for the evening was to test their material from the forthcoming High Violet. Being the second night, the band was a little looser and let their personality shine on stage. Berninger quipped and made jokes while the Dessner brothers’ had their sister in the audience.

“Boo Boo!” - The Dessner’s Brothers’ sister
“That one is going to stick…we’re going to be called Matt Berninger and the Boo-Boo’s” - Aaron Dessner

The new songs wove together flawlessly with the already rich tapestry of music The National have already recorded. Despite only a small few knew what the songs sounded like, the night was memorable thanks to this discovery process. The songs felt like an extension of their past work; furthering their American story. Whether it was the somber introduction of the internally intense opener “Sorrow” or the reassuring “Anybody’s Ghost” the new tracks felt like favorites tracks you haven’t heard yet.

“Mistaken for Strangers” and”Secret Meeting” were definitely favorites and stellar tracks from their last two releases. The intensity and lyricism is still there despite the band dedicating itself completely to the new album. “Bloodbuzz Ohio” has been played in the past and was another standout track with the evocative imagery of being “carried to Oho in a swarm of bees”.

All the songs felt like they belonged in that Raymond Carver vision of America. The vignettes of life, where love and passion come from the slightest sliver of detail and although disillusioned there is a sense of vitality as we come to grips with our reality. The songs felt urgent and in that intimate space; everyone had a role.

“Everything I can remember, I remember wrong”…”Perfect” - Berninger during “Daughters of the Soho Riot” after forgetting the lyrics

The looks around and head shakes was great to see as the band unfurled their latest story. As good as their new material was, the band’s personality was the best surprise. Berninger’s banter about quitting smoking three months ago and ever since having a persistent cough was one highlight.

“If I coughed on you, it’s not a disease, it’s a good thing. It’s getting rid of all the tobacco since I was 16. It’s my lungs regenerating”, to the Dessner brothers having their moments to shine as truly great guitar players. The rhythm section was flawless and Devendorf’s intricately layered drumming sounded even better on the new tracks.

As the band progressed into the second half of the set, fans met plenty of familiar characters. “All the Wine” and “Apartment Story” were lyrical odysseys of rich imagery that led into “Runaway”, which has been played several times in the past. “Abel” provided a raw frenetic energy into the set, a shot of pure adrenaline that was paired with the restrained “Daughters of the Soho Riots”.

Hearing “Fake Empire” close the main part of the set was special and hung in the air as the band departed briefly backstage.

While the second half of the set was more familiar, there were still memorable moments to be had. “Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks” was another song that has been played live and showed off some passionate vocals by Berninger. “Mr November” was the penultimate track and featured Berninger going through the crowd and making his way to his wife. The whole audience was a part of that song and as Berninger made his way on stage he thanked everyone again including his wife and dedicated “Terrible Love” to her.

The two night stay was impromptu, but it seems spontaneity suits the band. The National played an inspired set at the Bell House which promised the continuation of their evocative American storytelling thanks to their latest chapter; High Violet.

The National Setlist
Sorrow
Anyone’s Ghost
Little Faith (Chrome Horse)
Mistaken for Strangers
Secret Meeting
Afraid of Everyone
Bloodbuzz Ohio
Lemonworld
Brainy
All The Wine
Apartment Story
Runaway
Conversation 16
Abel
Daughters
England
Fake Empire
-Encore-
Vanderlye Crybaby Geeks
Mr. November
Terrible Love

The National

More photos after the jump.