The National is a post on The Hickensian

Photo: ©Tony Park

When I last saw The National play the (now extinct) London Astoria on the Boxer tour in 2007, one person in the crowd asked for “Mr November… AGAIN!”. Such is the energy of this song live, and the presence of Matt Berninger when he belts out that he is Mr November, that you want it again and again.

Last week, I saw them again at the Royal Albert Hall, and the photo above by Tony Park is from that evening’s performance of that song. In short, the sound, atmosphere, band and venue all added up to be one of the best gigs I’ve ever been to. I was utterly carried along, particularly during the chorus of new songs like Bloodbuzz Ohio. I’m still smiling from that gig.

If you’re new to The National, please listen to Bloodbuzz Ohio on my Huffduffer account. If you like it, try the new album High Violet, available on 7digital for a mere fiver!