Boxer
The National
Score:89
Reviewer: Steve Scully
Label: Beggars Banquet (USA), Remote Control (Aus)
Reviewed: Apr 16th '07, Released:2007
With a voice like a tired, unenthusiastic Morrissey set to a New Wave beat and atmospheric, unassuming guitars, The National have developed their own sound that encompasses both those ‘80’s pop influences and more subtle, folk elements. Don’t let this undersell The National’s latest - Boxer is far from derivative; it is in fact one of the most vital and profound records of the year.
While the band’s musical restraint (and great drumming) sets them apart, it is Matt Berninger's voice and words that stand out here. Beginning with a lovely syncopated piano progression, the sublime ‘Fake Empire’ sees him wrap his smoky baritone around the resigned lines “we’re half awake/In our fake empire.” Little snippets of brilliance work their way subtly through while the rhythm remains constant: the layered horns towards the track’s conclusion, forcefully add emotional heft to the near-timid feeling early in the track. Berninger’s poeticism and the restrained, ethereal guitars are but a few impressive elements. This song is the peak from which The National never descend. ‘Slow Show’ is a touching alt-country ballad, in which Berninger’s dead-pan delivery of the lines: “You know I dreamed about you/I missed you for 29 years” belies the song’s obvious emotional core. ‘Ada’ harks back to a 70s folk feel, retaining the woodwind that was so well employed on Alligator. Album-closer ‘Gospel’ would not seem out of place on Nick Cave’s And No More Shall We Part. With ‘Fake Empire’ the band begins the record in powerful fashion, and they never give an inch from there in.
Engaging and heartfelt, Boxer is a clean, tight record of depth and consistency. The National are now eight years old, and their sound is one of a band climbing into the stratum of maturity. They’ve produced a very shiny, very professional, well-crafted album with some truly brilliant moments of musicianship and lyricism.
