The National

Respected indie band the National--two pairs of brothers plus singer/lyricist Matt Berninger--formed in Ohio, but moved to Brooklyn in the early 2000s before seriously embarking on the recording and touring that would garner them their initial public attention. Two albums and an EP released on the small Brassland label, twinned with extensive touring, helped establish the band's reputation as a gruffer version of the Shins. Talented songsmiths with an ear for melody, and a protean sound that ranges from strings-laden pop to pummelling rock to reflective folkiness, the National were snapped up by the Beggars Banquet label in 2005. Taking a major step-up with their third album, ALLIGATOR, in both consistency of songwriting and a promotional boost, the album featured heavily in the best-of-2005 lists in Europe and at home. Their fourth album, BOXER, was released in 2007 to universal critical acclaim

• rock
• indie rock
• 2000s