Imagine being married to Matt Berninger. If The National’s High Violet is anything to go by, I’d be concerned. ‘We belong in a movie / Try to hold it together ’til our friends are gone’ the front man of The National sings on ‘Conversation 16’, a song with the romantic refrain ‘You’re the only thing I ever want anymore’ which grows more desperate as the song goes along. It fits in with the lyrical theme of the album, which is probably most summarily encapsulated in the title of the opener, ‘Terrible Love’.
That this isn’t just another depressive US indie album is partly due to the compelling play of the rhythm section. Bryan Devendorf’s drumming gives ‘Bloodbuzz Ohio’ tremendous energy from the off, and his atmospheric performance on the opener adds mounting tension and a euphoric climax to what is otherwise a slow ballad.
But what really saves the album from the trappings of stereotype is Berninger’s vocal and lyrical performance. His baritone voice creates distinctive melodies which act as a counterpoint to the simple guitarwork. The thoughtful lyrics convey the concerns of a new father, using hyperbole to maximum effect (‘I was afraid / I’d eat your brains’).
It all comes together in the standout track, ‘Runaway’. Berninger’s vocals suggest a deep-voiced defiance, but his crackling voice as he stretches up to the line ‘What makes you think I’m enjoying being led to the flood?’ reveals a vulnerability and desperation beneath.
Carin Besser, Berninger’s wife, directed the video to ‘Bloodbuzz Ohio’. Let’s hope she’s been listening to her husband’s lyrics, or she might be for a shock.
