The National
Boxer

THE REVIEW

What makes this album a precious gem? A few elements mixed excellently. An exceptional baritone voice in its clarity and intensity, a soundscape in service of the voice that at times may seem minimalist but is always elegant and evocative, a melancholic mood that captures you and cradles you throughout the entire listening experience, somehow mitigating the lyrics which are certainly emotionally impactful and could appear more "desperate" with a different sonic solution, a rare ability to "create images" through music, a top-notch level of writing (lyrics and music). For those who love guitar rock (I love it too), there might sometimes be a need for an adrenaline rush, but after several listens, you simply realize it's not necessary: everything is perfect. Each composition is a painting that, despite a certain homogeneity of approach, succeeds in leading us to different shores. It is difficult to appreciate some of the songs more than others: the initial and grand "Fake Empire" with lyrics of dizzying depth, and the memorable "Squallor Victoria" or "Start a War" (once again with lyrics of painful and poignant melancholy) or the piano ballad "Racing like a pro." Or the finale with the "bang" of the sweet and delicate "Gospel," impossible to forget after listening, offering emotions and sensations beyond any possible critical analysis. But it would indeed be unfair to all the other equally powerful and incisive pieces to promote some "better" ones. The National have often been labeled as yet another echo of the "narrative" and atmospheres of Joy Division. The inspiration and debt to that type of wave is undeniable, just as the personality and uniqueness of the Canadian band is undeniable, which with this work has signed a masterpiece destined to remain long in the minds and veins of those who manage to get swept away by these calm yet so vibrant rhythms.