Review: The National - Boxer

I'll be the first to admit it - I was doubtful that The National would release an album as genius as 2005's masterpiece, Alligator. It's not that I had lost faith in the band but it's just that Alligator was so close to perfect that I was unsure if Brooklyn's finest could pull it off twice in a row. I'm thrilled to report that all my uncertainties were put to bed upon my first listen to the band's fourth full-length, Boxer. The band has struck gold twice.

It's not so much the band's much-buzzed collaborators that make this album so remarkable (although it never hurts having Sufjan Stevens, Marla Hansen and Doveman in the recording studio); more so it's The National's uncanny ability to consistently transform while simultaneously enhancing and updating their one-of-a-kind sound with each forthcoming album. Frontman Matt Berninger's bittersweet voice is one of the strongest in indie rock today. At times conjuring up memories of modern-day Tom Waits, while at other points bringing to mind a morose version of a young (and pre-cocky) Bono circa '81. The band has opted to provide decidedly more mellow tracks on Boxer than its predecessor, Alligator. The resulting dichotomy of gentle piano and the aforementioned rugged vocals from Berninger is a winning combination.

Perhaps one of the strongest tunes on the album, 'Mistaken For Strangers', features an intense drum beat, a dark guitar riff and a heavy bassline that makes for a spectacular three-and-a-half-minute melody while wonderfully highlighting the signature National sound. Spotlight should also be given to the album's closing trio of 'Racing Like A Pro, 'Ada' and 'Gospel'. An ideal trifecta if I've ever heard one. All in all, Boxer is one of this year's finest releases thus far. An engaging, distinctive and passionate album.

Boxer will be out on May 22nd via Beggars Banquet. Check out song samples, video clips & trailers from the album at TheNationalBoxer.com