As he introduced "I Need My Girl," frontman Matt Berninger reminisced about The National's first show in Paris back in December 2002 at La Guinguette Pirate. The journey from that intimate barge on the Seine, which held about 200 guests, to tonight's nearly sold-out performance at Le Zénith, with a capacity of nearly 7,000, has been a steady climb rather than a meteoric rise. It’s been a careful, consistent progression from modest beginnings to near-superstardom.
Their latest album, "Laugh Track" a companion to 2023's "First Two Pages of Frankenstein" showcases a band that has evolved significantly since their early days. The alt-country tones of their self-titled debut and the folk/rock Americana influences that drew comparisons to early Wilco are long gone. Instead, The National has blended their influences into a unique sound, reconciling their internal contradictions. At once introverted and arena-friendly, experimental and melodic, moody and uplifting, The National remain an enigma.
They also remain of the most thrilling live acts in the so-called "alternative rock" scene. Berninger's effortless charisma and tendency to interact with fans from both the stage and the crowd enhance their performances. Meanwhile, the Dessner twins weave cryptic, intricate guitar lines that are both chiming and abstract. The rhythm section, keyboards, and horns are integral to The National's sound, and it's refreshing to see them play every note live in an era where many bands rely heavily on backing tracks.
Over two hours and 26 songs, The National delivered a performance that was both intimate and grand, supported by an enthusiastic audience that sang along and danced throughout the show. Their concerts evoke the same transformative emotions and camaraderie as a Bruce Springsteen show but in a unique way. Stripped of fake pageantry and show business clichés, The National's live performances offer a musical and spiritual communion that resonates long after the music has ended.
Experience or re-live the concert by playing the setlist in the embedded Apple Music player below
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