The National is an American indie rock band formed in 1999, consisting of vocalist Matt Berninger, brothers Aaron and Bryce Dessner, and brothers Scott and Bryan Devendorf. While originally from Cincinnati, the band came together in Brooklyn, where their distinctive sound began to take shape.
Their self-titled debut album in 2001 received modest critical attention, but it was the 2005 release of Alligator that brought them wider recognition and established them as a powerful live act. The follow-up, Boxer in 2007, cemented their position on the indie scene, while High Violet in 2010 elevated them to international acclaim.
The band’s music is defined by introspective and poetic lyrics, layered arrangements, and an atmosphere that blends melancholy with intensity. Aaron and Bryce Dessner are responsible for most of the instrumental ideas, while Berninger crafts lyrics that explore themes of relationships, isolation, and inner conflict.
In 2017, they won a Grammy Award for Sleep Well Beast, and in 2019 they released I Am Easy to Find, a conceptual project accompanied by a short film. In 2023, they surprised fans with two albums – First Two Pages of Frankenstein and Laugh Track – featuring collaborations with several renowned musicians.
On stage, they are known for delivering emotionally charged performances, transforming their refined studio sound into an explosive live experience. The presence of two sets of brothers in the lineup gives the band a unique chemistry and longevity, making The National one of the most respected indie bands of the 21st century.
