The kings of middle-age angst surprisingly provide a great sense of euphoria during their live set.
You only had to look out your window two Tuesday nights ago to see the damage that the never ending downpour of rain could have. Now imagine leaving the comfort of your house to see The National during their first of two sold-out shows as part of Kelvingrove Summer nights, although it did feel more like November. The weather could be a perfect example of pathetic fallacy as the Ohio indie giants have never been known for their upbeat light carefree sounds.
Before they started performing it was already going to be a unique concert. The sheer number of band members on stage at once was extraordinary within itself, at one point there was twelve. This created a great cavernous wall of sound which seemed to transcend the small section of the park.
The atmosphere was one thing that was not dampened by the weather. There was a real sense of community and togetherness inside the venue, perhaps it was a mutual respect for the commitment it showed to brave the Scottish Summer or the music itself. The National have never been known as chart-toppers even inside alternative music they seemed to have a devout yet small following especially compared to their early-nought counterparts When they were starting out their rehearsal space was across the hall from the Interpol’s.
Support was provided by Kate Stables aka This is The Kid her earthy folk helped set the mood. She was additionally one of three fantastic female vocalists who helped bring their latest female-orientated album I Am Easy To Find to life. There also was another surprise vocalist, Chvrches Lauren Mayberry whom added weight to one of their largest hits I Need My Girl. Berninger and Mayberry also sang a heartfelt and emotional cover of Frightened Rabbits My Backwards Walk in tribute to the late great Scott Hutchison. Some of the remaining band members of Frightened Rabbit were in attendance.
Photo Credit: Kerrin Carr
Berninger has to be one of the most charismatic and likeable frontmen in alternative rock today. His bookish appearance is deceiving to his chaotic onstage behaviour. He does not believe to be above the audience, in fact, he seeks to join them. He even done so much the security guards on duty annoyance, he ran the length of the bandstand not once but twice. After his mad scramble back to the stage before the end of the thrilling Day I Die, he appeared wearing the crowds uniform, a poncho.
Considering so many of their songs surround the theme of human connection it is no surprise that Berninger displays. Whether it be through reading and raising their posters, leaving the stage to sing or shout depending on the song at an audience member as they do the same. He is truly captivating.
All the Wine, a standout track in their large discography for being their most triumphant track. One stage it was a beautiful sympathy of bass and guitar. That cannot be said for every song with lyrics that include “I’m a perfect piece of ass”.
Photo Credit:Craig McGee
A great set deserves a great end and we certainly got that with a stunning rendition of Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks. The sense of ownership the crowd felt over the track was overwhelming. Berninger ended up giving his microphone to the crowd. Although it was more a series of collective of yells with a single acoustic guitar leading the chant. Maybe it was the darkness surrounding the venue, the lights beaming through the trees or the passion of the crowd during the song. It was |a moment that could be described as unforgettable.
After two hours of adoration and passion, the night was finally coming to an end. Berninger joked about their second night of their Glasgow shows that the sun would be shining, he received a chorus of light-hearted boos. “Fuck tomorrow” he responded and perhaps that is the purpose of live music to forget what’s coming next or what’s surrounding you even if it is a downpour of rain.
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