Boxer - The National Album Review
The National
Album Review
New York based quintet The National, who merge folk-psychedelia with a hint of Americana, follow impressive 'Alligator' with Boxer. Formed in 1999, brothers Aaron Dessner ( g/b) Bryce Dessner ( g) Scott Devendorf ( g/b) Bryan Devendorf ( d) and friend Matt Berninger ( v).
Written over 13 months at their homes in Brooklyn, it's a departure from its predecessor. Like many albums of its ilk, these guys don't make instantly appealing music, so time; much time is needed to embrace it.
Berninger's emotionless baritone can be very off-putting. Remorseful, there's too much of a dreary drone like quality for my liking. Comparisons with Leonard Cohen and Warren Zevon have been leveled. Following a gentle piano opening Fake Empire it turns into a neat shuffle at the midway point, building to a half decent, kind of, crescendo. Thumping drum rolls greet us on Mistaken For Strangers a rambling rocker with Bryan Devendorf's stick being the highlight : an average track at best, though it will probably sound more impressive live. More averageness follows on the steady shuffle of Brainy. Further in the same goes for Apartment Story. Heavy loaded strings and intense drums carry the enigmatic Squalor Victoria, a pretty drab and pointless effort. Thankfully, and way too late, Green Gloves is the most interesting track yet to appear. Acoustic guitar with add-on instruments help it plod away nicely, with string drenched Slow Show marginally better, though it has little real direction which is common in their compositions. The only highlight, Start A War opens beautifully (melodies at last) as the acoustic guitar, drums and bass offer an ominous finale, which disappointingly never comes. Last three songs, Racing Like A Pro, Ada, and Gospel have their moments, but finish off a disappointing album.
Hard work.
