Give the National some time, and it’ll stick with you

Published 3:01 pm Friday, May 14, 2010

The National returned on Tuesday with its much-anticipated fifth album, “High Violet.”

TRIVIA: The rock group’s 2007 song “Fake Empire” was used at campaign stops during Barack Obama’s presidential run.

STANDOUTS: Matt Berninger’s steady baritone delivers “Afraid of Everyone” over a pulse of drums, a sighing chorus and jittery guitars.

FANS DIG: Nervous conditions.

ANDY SAYS: It’s easy to dismiss the National on first listen. The group’s lyrics can sound too dark, and Berninger’s voice too dull. But the group begs for more than just one listen. Keep the disc in your car stereo. Like their previous albums, “Fake Empire” grows on you, until it’s hard to turn off. The group’s skillful arrangements and uneasy lyrics ultimately make anxiety sound uplifting.

GRADE: A

Andy Rathbun: 425-339-3455; arathbun@heraldnet.com